A stroll around Strumpshaw

Visited RSPB Strumpshaw Fen today. Had a wander along the meadow trail, and found this Pheasant sitting on a fence. Sometimes you don’t have to fill the frame…

Also in the meadow, some lovely Ragged Robin. Difficult to photograph, as it was a bit windy out there.

Then, on the way back, the star of the show – the Swallowtail Butterfly.

Britain’s largest, and one of our rarest butterflies. They are absolutely stunning to watch. I saw them last year, but didn’t manage to get any photos, so this year I really wanted to get some shots. I’m fairly pleased with this one, although it’s not pin sharp – dull light and a fast moving insect, doesn’t really work! So I’ll be back to try again! For more information on these beautiful creatures take a look HERE.

Finally, back at the car park, this Robin posed on a post for me. Still had the macro lens on, but I think the ‘in habitat’ shot looks more interesting than just a bird on a post!

Similar Posts

  • Fallow deer

    Started the day at RSPB Titchwell reserve yesterday, but it was a little disappointing as it was cold and windy and the wildlife wasn’t ‘photographable’. When you see birders carrying telescopes, you know it’s not going to be a good day for a 500mm lens. So on the spur of the moment we decided to…

  • House Sparrow

    Quick post before I head out with the camera. Here’s a House Sparrow I photographed yesterday in Drew’s parents garden. What an incredible sight it was – their garden was heaving with birds, constant activity at all the feeders and I counted 14 Blackbirds on the ground together, and I’m sure there were more than…

  • They’re Back

    My first visit to the Fen for quite some time, it was great to be back out there again. The light was lovely and as soon as I arrived I was greeted by the scratchy jazz song of the Sedge Warbler. The Summer migrants are back! There were a good number of them singing away,…

  • Operation Turtle Dove

    Regular readers will know I have a real passion for this wonderful rare bird. I’ve just heard about Operation Turtle Dove – a three year project to reverse the decline of the Turtle dove. The project is a partnership between the RSPB, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, Natural England, and Conservation Grade. For more information visit their…

  • Here and there

    Over on the Fen first thing this morning, the Sedge Warblers were quiet again, but the Reed Warblers were singing away. Their song is softer than the harsh, scratchy tune of the Sedge Warblers, more bouncing, more musical. They were busy collecting nesting material, hopping up the reeds to choose a few strands of fluffy…

  • Not Otters

    Sometimes you can try too hard. My lovely boss let me have the day off (thanks!) and to make the most of every minute, and hoping to avoid other photographers, I was out at first light – first car in the car park.  Nothing doing. Retracing my steps up and down the rivers, still nothing….

Leave a Reply