Multi-coloured kites

I had not visited Gigrin Farm in Powys since 'going digital' so took the opportunity of a day trip to see the long-staying Black Kite and many Red Kites (including a leucistic 'white' bird). Also caught up with Dipper and Goosander in the Elan Valley. A glorious day on arrival and departure, dampened only slightly by a couple of hours of overcast weather either side of Kite feeding time. In the circumstances I was pleased with this Red Kite shot taken at 1/500th second. For more photos of the Black and Red Kites click here.

Exe-llent estuary

Enjoyed a cruise on the Exe Estuary courtesy of the RSPB - a great way to see Avocets, Red-breasted Mergansers, Great Northern Diver and Shag up close. The Mergansers seemed particularly approachable by boat, although still difficult to get good photographs of anything other than Merganser-butt vanishing into the distance. On the way home passed a number of black-tailed godwits and greenshank feeding very close to the road on the mud at Cockwood.