Grey Wagtail

At Sandhouse Lane NR a Grey Wagtail was taking advantage of some exposed mud to feed on larvae and other invertebrates, then preening those all important feathers. The light level was quite low down in this old pit, so a tripod was utilized and the camera ISO was set at 500. Wagtails pump their tails up and down, so no chance of long exposures to compensate for the low light.

Grey Wagtail

Grey Wagtail

Local Patch - 02/04/09

New arrivals today included a Sedge Warbler (first in Bedfordshire this spring?), singing male Blackcap, a second Little Ringed Plover, and a few Barn Swallow and House Martin which moved on quickly. A passing Peregrine was mobbed by the local Lapwing.



The resident pair of Grey Wagtail fed on the waters edge.

Wheatear @ Blow's Downs

An early drive up to the paddocks at Blow's downs, Dunstable to see a Northern Wheatear. A nice male that kept its distance - not helped by frisky horses galloping around its favoured area ! Peach, blue/grey and black - a great colour combination, methinks.



The weather continues to stay fair, but change is, apparently, on the way. At Dstw, new arrivals included a fly-over calling Little-ringed Plover ( a week late) and a few more Sand Martin (never lingering). A pair of Grey Wagtail hunted on the wader scrape.

Dunstable STW

17th Apr:

A Barn Swallow takes a rest from feeding in the keen easterly wind - the hirundines were keeping very low above the water taking advantage of the insects on the leeward side of the plantation.



16th Apr:

The first Sedge Warbler of the Year for the site was keeping low at the front of the lagoon.



A pair of Blue Tit were foraging in the dead stuff above the Sedge Warbler.





A small 'charm' of Goldfinch fed alongside a pair of Linnet.



A Green Sandpiper was, suprisingly, the first this year at the site. The Whooper Swan 'on patrol' chases off a Canada Goose.





A pair of Grey Wagtail wait to feed - the male showing a black throat patch.