Pulborough Practice

Last Sunday saw me make my way to Pulborough with my friend Mary B on the basis that Mary has been at the wildlife photography thing for much longer than I and this was then, an opportunity to learn a few things and maybe take some nice photos at the same time. Having quizzed Mary a bit in the car on the way down, 6.30 saw us leave the Pulborough reserve car park and head down the slope into the reserve. Pulborough is excellent for many of the warblers with blackcap in particularly good voice (very difficult to photograph mind) accompanied by the occasional chiffchaff. What the place is really known for at this time of year is nightingales, up to five I would think all in amazing voice. I make no claims to this being a good photograph but it is at least proof that we did see one. It is also evidence as to just how difficult it is to get a good view. Something to come back for, preferably earlier in the year when there is less foliage on the trees.

From a birdy viewpoint, my favourite photos of the day, in as they say, no particular order, include this jackdaw, doing an excellent stalking velociraptor impression. Amazing silver snow hood.

Lapwings are very elegant, rather beautiful and as a breeding bird, a rather scarce wader. They do pretty well here and to hear that swooping call to go with the swooping display flight is brilliant. Just after this shot, we also had nice views of hobby; no day with a hobby in it is a bad day!

First dragons of the summer! I am not great at identifying dragonflies but unless someone tells me differently, this is a Beautiful Demoiselle and a Large Red Damselfly. Absolutely gorgeous and pretty obliging. The head of the demoiselle isn't actually in focus (annoying!) but the wings are stunning so worth including here.

It will be obvious from some of my comments that my photography skills still have some way to go and I fully intend to include some less than perfect shots along the way (as here!) as well as those that I am particularly pleased with.
In the meantime, Sunday was a reminder of just how good Pulborough can be in a variety of ways.