Wednesday 2 June 2010

Wilstone Reservoir - Red-Footed Falcon and Terns

The previous day had been a total wash out and (apart from a few Ring-necked Parakeet from the car in Cheam) my trip to Sutton, South of London for a talk was birdless!

I planned to change that the following day and after escaping from the clutches of the M25, made my way to Wilstone reservoir in Herts. Hopes were high but ultimately dashed of achieving Red-footed Falcon feather detail shots! This first winter male has been showing well at times but never came close today, it was first found in one of the trees in the middle of the reservoir....






Then in flight, - these record shots were the best I could manage.....








Whilst idling away the barren moments, there were always Common Terns nearby. Busy catching insects - sometimes in mid air.....






But mainly off the surface of the water....












An occasional nearby hover.....








Plus flight pose....






A spat between two Great-crested Grebes nearly resulted in a drowning!






Before a welcome escape.....