29 August 2022 - Hollingworth Lake

« Newer   |   Older »

Sparrowhawk, Little Grebe, Spotted Flycatcher, Mistle Thrushes, Linnets

Bank Holiday Monday started in a rather dull, overcast way, but this seemed to have a positive effect on the bird front.  I set off quite early and as I neared the hide, a Sparrowhawk flew low overhead, though it was only in view for a few seconds.  From the hide, the usual Teal were visible, and scanning the gulls on the exposed mud, I spotted a distant Little Grebe on the water beyond.  I was hoping it was something more interesting but it wasnt.  

Just past the activity hut, a Spotted Flycatcher appeared by the path and although quite flighty, allowed me to get a couple of slightly closer shots than the previous two I'd seen in the last few days. Shortly after though, it disappeared so I moved on. 

Walking down past Bib Knowl wood there was a party of Mistle Thrushes on the wires, looking for all the world like a migrating group of Fieldfare!  At one point I counted 17 together.  

Shaw Moss was quiet, but when I reached Peanock Farm, I could see a few small birds feeding in the grass just beyond a fence. At least some of these were Linnets, and some were Goldfinch.  I tried to approach to get some better views, but they got spooked and flew up onto the wires.  I tried to get a little closer again, and they started to disperse, but I reckon there must have been around 20 or 25 Linnets in total.

Sparrowhawk, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 320 (view full size image)

Sparrowhawk-, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 320 (view full size image)

Little Grebe, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 800 (view full size image)

Spotted Flycatcher, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 5000

Spotted Flycatcher-, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 400 (view full size image)

Mistle Thrushes, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 400 (view full size image)

Linnets, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 100 (view full size image)