Catch Up 2016 and 2017

Blimey, I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last blog. I’ve done so much in a year, April I spent 5 days at Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve. I was hoping to see a Dartford Warbler while I was there, but not only did I see one, I managed to photograph it as well. I was over the moon. I also saw Marsh Harriers, Bitten, Snipe, and many more birds. Unfortunately, the Otter was at distance.

Before I knew it June had arrived and I was packing to go to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. I decided to go with Andy and Sarah Skinner who run www.imagesofwildlife.co.uk/. Woo, what a trip so many sightings of so many wonderful animals. Also a great group of people. I couldn’t complain at all Andy and Sarah put in so much time and effort to get the sightings and photos everyone wanted. With that in mind, I have booked to go with them to Botswana in 2017, I cannot wait.

In July I visited Orfordness Lighthouse before it was closed to the public. I went with a group of my photography friends for a day out. It’s only a small boat ride to get to the island and then a good walk to get to the lighthouse.

The island is being closed to visitors because of the corrosion on the beach and the lighthouse is in danger of collapsing into the sea. It’s in the process of being dismantled for relocation.

I have always wanted to photograph an Osprey and I got the chance to in July. I visited a place at Rutland Water called River Gwash Ospreys. All in all, I went 3 times and managed to get some awesome photos.

My love for Kenya had me back there again in September 2016, this time for the Great Migration. I decided to go with David Lloyd again. Although I got to see some amazing sights and wildlife, I didn’t get to see a crossing of the wildebeest. I was very disappointing especially when other guests in the same camp did get to see one. Oh well, there’s always next year.

In October I was back at Brownsea Island to photograph the Red Squirrels. I went with my tog friends again. We stayed for 3 days and had excellent weather. Having been 2 years earlier we knew where to go to capture the Red Squirrels, October is the best time of year as they come down from the canopy to feed and hide away their nuts for winter.

Brownsea Island is located by Poole Harbour in Dorset, It’s run by the National Trust and just a 20-minute boat ride away. There are lots to see and makes a good day out for everyone.

Now It’s January 2017 and I have booked a trip to Scotland, a place that’s been on my list for a while. With the hope of seeing and photographing the wildlife in the Highlands, I set off to meet Marcus Conway a very good photographer and guide. His job was to show me and get close enough to photograph Mountain Hara’s, Great Crested Tit, Wild Red Deer, Red Grouse, and Ptarmigan, not an easy task for anyone. Marcus pulled it out of the bag not only did I see and photograph everything on my list but he produced the best weather for each day. The Ptarmigan had to be the highlight of the trip. It was a 2-hour hike up the mountain in the snow, and then you had to find a white bird hiding in snow, even when I was shown where it was I still had trouble seeing one.

A brilliant trip to start the year. You can book Marcus Conway here www.ebirder.net/.

I hope you enjoy my blog and my images.

Minsmere RSPB Nature Reserve