Blog

  • Autumn Fen

    ByDawn

    A stunning morning on the Fen, a crisp frosty start and delicious golden light. The Konik ponies look so at home here, they were warming up in the sun at the edge of the wood. On in search of the Bearded Tits, but all was quiet in the reedbed. I can’t help feeling a bit…

  • Back to the Fen

    ByDawn

    My first visit to the Fen in a long time, it was great to pick the camera up and get out again. The reedbeds are quiet now that the warblers have departed for somewhere warmer, and everywhere has a gentle autumnal glow. With little going on I pick out a Reedmace head to photograph, and…

  • Operation Turtle Dove

    ByDawn

    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…

  • I’m Back!

    ByDawn

    Hello! Yes I’m back! Firstly I must apologise for my prolonged absence. The past few months have been incredibly hectic, and sadly I’ve had no time for photography. You see, on the 15th September, I married my partner of 10 years and love of my life Drew Mellowship. We had a truly wonderful day and…

  • Sedge Warbler

    ByDawn

    Here’s a few Sedge Warbler photos from this morning on the Fen.         The adults were being kept busy by the newly fledged youngsters scattered throughout the reedbed, their wheezy cries coming from deep within the vegetation begging for yet more food.   (Click images to view larger…) If you like what…

  • Magic Macro

    ByDawn

    Visited the Fen for the first time for quite a while yesterday, it’s looking incredible lush right now, and full of insect life despite the rain. The first find was this brightly coloured Common Blue Damselfly. There were quite a few of these around, this one is just finishing his aphid meal. Walking around the…

  • Finally

    ByDawn

    Those who have followed my blog for sometime will remember that last year our garden was graced by the presence of a pair of Turtle doves. This year, as May approached, I waited with baited breath to see if they would return. They did, only to leave again for a while, perhaps just passing through….

  • Toady

    ByDawn

    Moving some plants yesterday, and came across this little chap hiding in my coldframe. It’s the first time I’ve seen a Toad in our little garden, so was quite pleased! We have plenty of Frogs, which normally hide in the border, so no wonder my Hostas are slug free! He posed for a few photos…

  • Sidetracked

    ByDawn

    On my way to the Fen this morning I saw a sight I’ve been waiting to see again for several years. Over my local common, newly restored, a Barn Owl was hunting. The common has been rescued from overgrazing and uncovered from rubbish, the grasses and wild-flowers are beginning to flourish again. The hard work…

  • Sunshine

    ByDawn

    A beautiful morning on the Fen, what a relief to have some calm sunny weather! The first bird of the day was a Spotted Flycatcher near the visitors centre – a lovely little bird. A pair of Treecreepers were also hanging around. Walking out onto the fen, I saw the Little Grebe in his regular…