July 2016 The Green Sandpiper migration is well under way.

The Green Sandpiper migration is well under way.  There are now quite a few to be seen around the edges of the fresh water pools at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.  They come down to us from sub-artic Europe on their way to their wintering grounds in Africa and the Indian sub-continent.

Green Sandpiper

July 2016 Flight evolutionary perfection

I sometimes like to imagine all the evolutionary battles over millions of years that must have taken place for this bird to have developed so perfectly.

Peregrine Falcon

July 2016 Juvenile Peregrine Falcon

These really are iconic birds and this makes me always want to go and see them again and again.

Juvenile Peregrine

July 2016 Juvenile Sparrow hawks have fledged.

Spent an early morning watching a nest of three juvenile Sparrow hawks stretching their wings and flying around in the upper branches.

Juvenile Sparrow hawk

July 2016 Green Sandpiper one of the first returning waders to the UK

These are lovely little waders that lead the way on the return migration from their northern breeding grounds.  They can be seen around the muddy edges of fresh water pools and are always a welcome sight

Green Sandpiper

July 2016 Sparrow Hawk keeping in top condition

As a top predator you need to be always in good condition.  This female Sparrow hawk spending quite a lot of time preening its feathers.

Getting ready for action

July 2016 Beautiful Male Sparrowhawk

This has got to be one of my all time favourite birds.

I feel privileged to be this near! 

July 2016 Exciting morning in the company of Pergrine falcons

These really are A list birds and it was so exciting to spend the morning in their company.  A flock of pigeons even passed through and the adult made several unsuccessful attacks.  Awesome to watch.

Juvenile on the cliff face

Full throttle flight