http://www.andrew-darrington.com en-gb andrew-darrington.com 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z andrew-darrington.com http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#55208 December 2009Not done a lot at the start of the month spent most of the time on the PC Had a look down Welney one day had quite a good time.Had some Snow today so I have been out on the lookout for some Fieldfares and Redwings and for a change got luckyCould not resist a couple of shots of the local Blue Tit I was set up for Blackbirds feeding on Applesbut they were having none of itAlso managed a few of the local Kestrel Ok Brians Kestrel Also the local Sparrowhawk 2009-12-30T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#53955 November 2009Started the month off with some time spent on the SquirrelsAnd a few jumpingThe light is slowly going from my pond hide and I think it will be the last few days I spend here.This male Sparrowhawk has been a star this year and put on quite a few shows for me.Weather not been very good of late and I have not done a lot a real downer after quite a good run I just cant seem to motivate myself to do much. Had a run to Welney but foggy for most of the day.Went and got some Locusts from the pet shop today out of desperation to try and photograph them jumping what ever nextSpent the last few days on the computer. 2009-12-4T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#51739 October the real one Spent most of this month in the pit hide on the off chance of something new.Had a look down Richmond park one day but not very good weatherAlso called in at Letchworth and had another go at the Black SquirrelsMy Male Sparrowhawk is now getting a lot more confidingAs is the Green WoodpeckersThe Greater Spotted is also getting betterThe Wood Pigeons are very flighty but this one stopped and bathed and I got a nice little sequence 2009-11-1T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#50089 October 2009Spent some time in the studio this moth having a go at some Jumping spidersHad a few days down in the pond hide and had a few migrants throughAlso had a Wheatear at the local muck heapHad a ride down to Richmond park today the rut is just starting so will have a trip back ina week or soCalled in a Letchworth on the way back to have a look for some Black Squirrels Got a coupleof images but not great 2009-10-6T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#48260 August 2009Done a bit more with the wasps this month Talking about Wasps it seems to be a good year for Wasp SpidersI have found 9 on my field so far so I was pleased with thatHad a morning down at the pond hide not to much aboutbut did have a Moorhen come in which is not that commonFound a dead Great tit today which had a tick infestationso I did a few images of theseAlso been doing a bit with Brian and the Long Eared OwlUser Poll to date 59 Digital 10 film 2009-9-6T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#46271 July 2009Started the month off with a few early mornings down the pond to try for some Dragonsplus I managed a couple of nice shots of the local frogAlso spent a couple of days trying to get some Media wasps and hover flys in flight itwas hard work but I got a few that I was pleased withShame about the wings on this oneBrians Long Eared Owl is now looking good so we done a couple of set ups with himHad a few wet days so I spent a bit of time trying out some white background stuff 2009-8-4T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#44462 June 2009Had a pair of Goldcrests around the garden this month I think they have a nest in one of my Conifers Managed a couple of shots just a shame they were so scruffy I hope they stay around so that I get another chance later in the year.Had a go with the Harvest mice as well on the FoxgloveFound a Hornet moth this morning on the Poplars it was hanging on a leaf trying to attract a mate gone later in the day so I hope she was lucky.Brian picked his Long eared owl up this month so we had a play about on one of his training sessionsChance to use my old moon again Tried to get a few shots of some Greenfinchs flying today not a great day but did get one I quite likeFound a Sabre Wasp today so spent a bit of time to see if I could get some images of it drilling and Boy drill it didHad a day on Skomer which was quite nice took a few Puffins and saw some Dolphins on the way back which was good. Had a pair of leaf cutter Bees in an old gate so set up for some in flight shots managed to get... 2009-7-6T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#42704 May 2009Well May is now over not been to productive as most days have been windyhad a few Yellow wags and I like this oneSpent some time doing Gnats this month that was quite interestingHad the moth trap on a couple of nights not a great deal but did have my firstPuss mothBrian had a Workshop booked this week so I went along and grabbed a few shots 2009-6-3T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#40828 April 2009Spent some time this month with some very trusting Red Legged Partridges took a few wide angle shots yesterday but at this close range they will need to get used to the camera noise still looks promising Had a few young Rabbits about down at the feeders they are so cute not what next door callsthem mind youAfter trying for Pheasants cocking up other years which was a struggle they just kept falling on me this yearHad the Moth trap on again but not much about but I did get a nice Nut Tree TussockBrian came over to give the Little owl some training so again sneaked in a few shots 2009-4-30T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#38835 March 2009March has been a mixed month but looking back I am quite pleased with what I have capturedStarted the month messing about with a couple of ladybirds I found on the house wallHad the moth trap on for the first time this year had a nice little catch with one newspecies for me The Yellow Horned mothHad a look over the local Heron site spent a couple of days here with plenty going onBeen over to the Hares a few times with no luck but I did get some Red Legged Partridge images Brian came over the other day to give the Tawny a workout so I grabbed a few frames 2009-3-28T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#36725 February 2009Started this month off well with some local Barn owls quite pleased with some of the stuffI got will stick with these a bit longerWeather changed today and we have got a nice fall of snow spent the day down at thefeeders. I think I managed to get more snow in the car than outside but it was worth it. Been up to the Hares the last few days snow conditions ideal but not many Hares and they are just sitting around Only got a couple of images Quite like this Fallow deer so not a total waste of time Dropped on this bird on the way home. I now have Fieldfares in the garden so have spent some time these while the snow lasts Snow is now gone and back to the gloomy weather 2009-2-16T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#35228 January 09 Lucky start to the new year as I stumbled upon a couple of Fieldfares one frosty morning while out looking for some local Waxwings Then a couple of days later we had 2 Waxwings in Biggleswade not in a fantastic spot but did get a few shots We had a small fall of snow but not enough to do a lot of good also cloudy with it but I did get some odds and ends down at the feeders I do hope we get some more and some nice weather to go with it I would love to do the Hares again in the snow Had a trip down to Welney again but not a lot about came home with a few more early morning flight shots but not much else We have had three Mistle thrushes in the garden now for about 3 weeks I have tried a few times but never managed to get much of a clear shot of them I decided to spend a couple of days and try to get them down to a position I could photograph them Well 2 days turned into 4 days well 3 and a half as I managed to fall asleep one day The weather was not b... 2009-1-19T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#33882 2008-12-16T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#33881 December 2008 Weather still rubbish most of the time with the odd good day now and again promised Had my first trip down to Welney but the nice day never happened took a few images but nothing any better than I already have maybe give it another go later in the month. Went to Donna nook today and for once it was a nice day plenty of seals around also plenty of togs. Soon need to book a space I think. This clown put on quite a performance so I spent a little time here. The Sanderling were quite good this year so I spent a fair bit of my time with them this is the shot that I like the most. Do they ever stop One that never made it 2008-12-16T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#32315 November 2008Got the studio done and started moving things back in seems so much room now and much brighter. First thing was to fill tank and give it a try the extra length and width makes such a difference. This is the setup taken by the KestrelThis is the first shot taken with the new tank. The tank once covered with the ply top makes a very good work bench so we gave this a try to.Yes That Moon again I seem to have an invasion of Yellow necked mice around my feeders at the moment I must try and catch a couple and get some mug shots the weathers still not much good for anything else. Well thats the month about over hope the weather picks up soon I want to go to Welney and have a go at the Swans and Holkham for the Geese fingers crossed also seems quite a good year for Waxwings. 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#31217 October 2008Not done much this month photography wise spent most of the time converting an old barn into a studio for Brians workshops and to use myself have been thinking of doing this for a couple of years and Brian has given me the push I needed also done a lot of the work. Just got the floor to paint now and we can start getting set up again. Just spent the last couple of days working with Mr fiberglass Nigel Blake constructing a 16ft x 4ft x 4in water tank for the flight shots this also has a fitted top that makes a good workbench for other set ups and also a blocked tank underneath for small mamal setups so should be very usefull. Had my Yearly trip down to Richmond park last weekend and had a nice day.One from Brians workshop the other week 2008-10-17T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#29563 September 2008 Weather not been great so far this month or should I say year so spent some time in the studio doing some work with Brians birds. I know that moon again 2008-9-11T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#28023 August 2008 Good start to this month I got hold of 4 captive breed Harvest mice 3 females and one male I will breed from these to stock up my rough grass areas also get a few images. I must admit I do like the Harvest mice they are real friendly little things and seem to enjoy the photography as much as me. I have set up a small pool for the mice to try and get some reflection shots but have not had great success as to yet Also been trying to get drinking shots at Teasel and had much more luck with this Brians been around the last couple of weeks getting his Birds ready for the photography workshops so I have been lending a hand and sneaking in a few shots Brian is know ready to start the workshops the price will be 163200.00 per day for a group of up to 5 people thats 16340.00 each he will have a website going up shortly but if interested drop me a line and I will forward it on. The workshops at the moment will be run on week... 2008-8-7T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#26549 July 2008 Well July has started quite well been doing a bit of wide angle work something I have not done a lot of so a bit of a learning curve but have quite enjoyed it I started off trying a few of my squirrels and look forward to doing more of these later in the year. I have also been doing a bit of work with my friend who is getting his birds ready to do some workshops the birds are coming on well. I will let you know when the workshops start. Had the Moth trap on only a couple of times this year numbers are down again but have redone a few of the nicer ones like this Common Emerald Also had a go at a Glow worm again quite like the images I got of this the ones I had before would not keep still but this one was quite a star Had some Swallows feeding young for a couple of days outside on the electric wires so I spent some time on these I wish they had stayed around a bit longer but thats Wildlife Spent some time up at Sandy hills trying for some shots ... 2008-7-6T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#25435 June 2008 June has started quite well and I have found a very confiding Corn Bunting and have bagged some very nice images to date. May do a few more if it keeps coming just cant resist One of my friends who keeps Birds and plans to do some Photographic workshops later in the year watch out for details brought round his Young Barn owl and 2 young Jackdaws so we had a go at these down near my feeding station he has these birds very confiding so when the workshops start it will be a great opportunity he also has BuzzardTawney owl Kestrel Sparrowhawk and Magpie at present but plans to get more if things work out OK. I think how he has these birds trained the workshops should be very good and well worth the money Oh almost forgot while doing the Corn Bunting a confiding Lapwing also came in so will have a go at this when I get time Also done a few close ups this month and had a nice couple of hours with some Wolf spiders on an old log down at the feeding station. ... 2008-6-12T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#24287 May 2008 Had a look around Gamlingay wood today to look at the Bluebells and anything else that was about overcast and no wind good conditions for this type of photography Called in at Ashwell today as a few Hares were running about on a freshly drilled field but not much luck but did get a few shots of some Wagtails Found a Hornet in house today so I done its passport photo before sending it on its way Had some time in the low level hide today after the Turtle dove got a couple of images but I think I can get better while I was there my mate the squirrel came along so took a few shots of him as well Shame he did not come over a bit more to get a nicer background NEXT TIME I have some Great tits in my glass backed box and the eggs hatched the other day so I did a few images to get the used to me being there. Made me laugh a bit the adult gave this caterpillar to three different young before it found one that could swallow it and on the next trip did the s... 2008-5-15T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#22908 April 2008 Well all in all quite a good month as to yet I kept with the hares for the first part and managed to get some good images. I call this one First Kiss I know I know Nice to get these on a ridge and have the sky as background not often possible so you have to make the most of it Its such a hard life being a Hare I sat with this one for around an hour and this is all it did I like this one the sun has just caught the Hares head and makes it stand out nice eye as well Had one day with some snow well a morning with some snow bit dull but managed a few frames quite pleased with this one running Had a group of Fallow deer through one day weather was misty but I like this group Had a couple of wet days so spent some time in the studio with this small frog Put in a low level hide down at the feeding station and spent a few days in there Oh also while over Threrfield I managed a few images of Red Legged Partridge dust bathing Well we are st... 2008-4-16T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#20998 March 2008 Good start to this month with a few Hare pictures from up at Therfield so lets hope the month continues like this. I done quite a bit on these Hares as they used a form not to far from the farm track I would like to put a wide angle out on remote but not sure if the will use the form again maybe give it a go when we get another good day. Got a few boxing shots but I would like to get them on the ridge with a nice clean background MUST TRY HARDER as my school report used to say. Once the male Hare gets on the trail of a female he becomes oblivious of anything else this one came right up to the car with me firing away and moving about with excitement. Spent about an hour with this pair of Grey Partridges who in the end came quite close only to be put up by the Farmer who came speeding by in his truck I dont think he saw the birds. The weather is not so good now so I have had a few days in the studio doing some more Wood mice and Short Tailed Vole... 2008-3-7T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#20185 February 2008 A few nice days this month so I spent some time at St Albans photographing Herons which performed very well Also had some time at the feeding station trying for Siskins but no luck so far I had a day down in Norfolk after Barn owls I never got any real close but quite pleased with some that I took over the day Captive bird taken at the British wildlife centre St Albans Had a day down the British wildlife centre this month as they had some Stoats in ermine got a few shots but nothing very special. Scottish Wildcat Magpie collecting sticks at St Albans Had a look over Therfield today not many Hares about but managed to get a couple of shots we could really do with some hard frosty and snowy weather for a few days to get them going. 2008-2-19T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#18574 January 2008 Well another year gone and a new one to look forward to. The weather up to yet has not been good got a bit done but not as much as I would have liked. I have run a few high ISO test shots on my new 1DS MK111 and have been pleased with the results this will open up new opportunities for early and late shooting and also getting the shot you want in bad conditions heres a couple I have taken down at the feeding station. ISO 800 no noise reduction in camera ISO 1600 noise reduction on in camera just found it Found a couple of Stonechats that allowed me to approach quite close in the car nice day as well for a change. Had a look down Norfolk today the geese at Holkham did not perform very well Went on and tried for Snow and Lapland bunting I will try to get back and have another go at these when there are less people about and the weather is better. 2008-1-13T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#17098 December 2007 Well after a good month in November things have gone very slow the only birds I have coming to my pond hide now are Magpies and Pheasants. Even my feeders have gone very quiet hope things pick up soon. Had a look over Welney today very slow as well never got a shot worth taking I will try again in a couple of weeks. Had a go at some puff balls puffing today things are getting desperate. Nice and frosty this morning so I went over to Therfield to check up on the Hares no pictures but the Hares were around also the right crops were in the right fields so it looks like it may be good for after Christmas On one of the farm tracks I found a Short Tailed vole hunched up I got out of the car and picked it up it hardly moved so I wrapped it in my hanky to warm it up by the time I got home he had livened up a bit and by the morning he was fine so I got him to do some modeling for me in return for a big lump of apple which he soon demolished. 2007-12-1T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#16122 November 2007 The end of last month I put up or should I say dug in a new hide looking out over the pond. Spent 8 hours the first day and did not press the shutter once not a good start day 2 was a bit better day 3 better day 4 best so far but day 5 only took 1 shot of a robin which must have only been made up of about 6 pixels mind you I had added a couple of extra props and I think these spooked the birds again. I think all things considered the first week has been quite good and will get better as the birds become accustomed to the changes. Day 6 took no shots at all day 7 foggy start was going to give it a miss but as I had gone down to feed up I thought I would give it an hour and see if anything turned up well after about 15 minutes to my surprise a Kingfisher turned up still very misty but took quite a few as I thought it would go but in the end it stayed for 2 hours and got about 30 small fish and I got a few nice shots. When the Kingfisher went a Gree... 2007-11-2T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#15252 October 07 Had another couple of days down Norfolk and came away with quite a few nice shots. This Little Stint came to close to focus on in the end but this is the image I like the best Also took a load more of the Dunlin a nice smart little bird Another first for me this month was a Hedgehog I have missed opportunities in the past so made the most of this encounter Had a few Green finches down at the feeding station this week so I had a go at some action shots I quite enjoyed this and I am looking forward to another good day Had a look over Therfield today no Hares but I got a few shots of this Wood pigeon Drinking Had my yearly trip down to Richmond park this weekend This was taken on arrival at 15th sec I wish now I had taken a few more as I quite like the results These Parakeets are now becoming very common and fly around in flocks of 10 or more this is the first time I have managed to get a decent shot so very pleased with this. Had a day ... 2007-10-8T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#14357 September 2007 Had a look down the feeding station today as the food was going down fast and guess whos back I dont mind him but at one point I had 3 coming and they do get through some food they also chew the cheap feeders up to get at it so it looks like I need to invest in some stronger ones. We have had a young Robin around the garden this year that has become quite tame so I thought I would take a few of it now its looking good. Had a look down Norfolk today and got a few nice shots must try and get back down soon Took quite a few of this confiding Ringed Plover Called in at Titchwell took a few from the hides but most were to far away Took a ride over to Therfield today not a great deal happening but did get a shot of a Hare sitting in the stubble which I quite like Had a go at some Fire Bugs today that had been found at a local site these are real smart bugs Spent a couple more days down Norfolk with the waders and quite pleased with what I got Th... 2007-9-7T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#13562 August 2007 Weather has improved now with some nice days and some warm nights but still not getting a lot in my Moth trap also not finding many Ladybirds or other interesting insects seems its not going to be a very productive year on this front still I am quite pleased with my Tern images. I made a couple more visits at the beginning of the month but things are not as good now. Had a look in Maulden wood today to see how the Wood ants are getting on the nest I visit has gone down quite a bit but another has started near by and is doing very well. Its quite amazing how strong these Ants are and the distance the will carry food and nest material. Been trying a few shots showing them squirting formic acid but as to yet no luck. Back to the Summer again wet and dull roll on the Winter I found an Asparagus beetle today and very nice it was to On my way over to Therfield today I saw some starlings feeding on one of the farm muck heaps so I spent some time with the... 2007-8-10T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#12341 July 2007 Well June is over and although the weather has not been good I was quite pleased with some of my results. lets hope the weather picks up a bit this month. I will start the month off with a couple of shots of Spotted Flycatchers and Great Crested Grebes which were taken on the last couple of days in June. It was quite interesting watching these birds catch the Wasps they held them just where the sting comes out and knocked them a few times on the branch to kill them before tacking them off to the nest. This pair of Great Crested Grebes had a nest on the Finger lakes at Priory park in Bedford although they had 4 chicks and I could not see any more eggs they never left the nest with the chicks on their backs the days I was there if we get a decent spell in the next couple of days I will have another look. Called in at the farmyard where the Spotted flycatchers are but no luck some visits not even seeing a bird I will keep trying for a few more days in the hope of ... 2007-7-1T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#12094 June 07 2007 Well so far we have had a mixed bag weather wise cold hot wet dry with a bit of luck July will be better but dont hold your breath. Had a chance to photograph some Stag Beetles this month and very nice they were too. On one of the wet days I set my Aquarium up and had a go at some Threespined sticklebacks I had in my pond Also I had my Silver washed fritillarys hatch so I spent some time on these and got a few shots that I was quite pleased with While I was doing these I also found a newly emerged Yellow shell moth and could not resist getting a couple of shots this moth is one of my favorites. Not much happening at the feeding station but I have got some nice young robins about which I could not resist also I have a pair of Bullfinches coming again but not managed to get a nice shot of these yet. My friend has a nest of Saxon wasps in his garage so I have been having a go at these I also have a Hornet building in my box so hopefully next moth ... 2007-6-23T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#10672 May 2007 Started the month off with some more time spent with the Wheatear and very pleased with some of these images I now have a gang of Starlings coming to my feeding station looking for food with which to feed their young so I have been spending quite a bit of time with these. Two weeks on I now have the young Starlings visiting so I have spent a few more days on these one day I had about 60 birds coming in but its now settled down to about 20 or so. in about 4 days they got through 3 large loafs of bread 1 large bag of suet sprinkles 10 cans of dog food 16313.00 worth of dried Meal worms 8 fat blocks 2 feeders full of Sunflower seeds and about 15 fat balls I think that week their food bill was more than mine The day I had 60 birds was like a scene out of the film birds and when I went to bed at night I could still hear the noise they made in my head. I have not run the moth trap much this year as to yet but put it on last night and had an... 2007-5-6T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#10432 2007-4-27T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#10431 April 2007 Very busy month with lots about to photograph not a lot of time to do it. Started off the month with a common shrew and managed to get some nice images must have another go at these and try for a Pygmy shrew and make use of my English nature license Also made a visit to Therfield heath to have a look at the Pasque flower these seem to have had a very good year with a good showing. I have spent quite a bit of time photographing some local Wheatears one of which seems very approachable took way to many images but you know what its like I have also spent a bit of time with a family of rabbits up at Therfield and got some quite pleasing images I also managed to get hold of 4 Goat moth cocoons which all came out so I have some imagies of these. Three years ago I had some larva which I kept for 2 years but never had any luck so this brings to an end a long term project. Another bit of luck was an encounter with a very approachable Corn bunting I have tried ... 2007-4-27T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#9013 March 2007 Had a play about with some Moon shots tonight nice clear sky and quite mild made it quite enjoyable. Yes I know fake stars but it breaks the black up. I started with an exposure of iso 100 80th sec f11 for the full moon going down to iso 800 1sec f4 for the eclipsed moon with varying exposures in between I also had to burn in the shadow areas using layers in Photoshop quite a nice little exercise makes you think and use tools you do not use very often. Had some tame Mallards coming to the new pond so spent some time with these trying my new Skimmer ground pod Spent some more time at my feeding station I have quite a few Yellowhammers coming in now in nice condition so could no resist taking a few more of these Also in the dry period I had a ride up to Therfield to see what the Hares were doing managed to grab this shot of a nicely marked one some activity going on but this year seems to have been very quiet and to wet to get to the best places. 2007-3-5T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#8221 February 2007 Well this month has started quite well the Brambling is coming to the feeding station every day and I also had a Siskin call in for half a day not seen again as to yet though have to keep my fingers crossed. I now have a Grey Squirrel coming once a day I put some nuts and acorns out for him I now have to shout at him to get his attention unlike the one I had coming last year this one leaves the feeders alone so its nice to see him. We had a couple of frosts so I was trying to get birds with frosty leaves not to much luck on this but I did get a couple I was pleased with Had some snow overnight and during the day so I tried some snowy shots and quite pleased with some of them. I think I have compressed these to much have to look at this later. Had a look over Salcey forest again and took a few MORE tit pictures Also been trying again to get birds in flight near the feeders I have taken a lot of pics but very very few keepers the one I most like is... 2007-2-10T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#7622 January 2007 Well up to yet January has not been very kind with the weather being dull rainy or windy. One good day was last Sunday so I got up early and went to Norfolk to have a go at the geese or anything else that might present its self well got to Lady Annes drive about 7.30 it was still quite windy here and set up on my visit last year I had action going on all through the day and filled plenty of flash cards and waited well plenty of geese there but very few came my way and what did due to the wind had got up very high by the time they got to me so I mainly got flocks taking off. Hung around for a couple of hours but no luck so I decided to go on to Titchwell again no luck so I thought I would go on to Welney and see if any Short Eared Owls were about again had a couple of hours here and nothing what a waste of a... 2007-1-22T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#6264 December 2006 First time down the feeding station this month and found the Sparrowhawk in the pond having a bath it watched me as I drove up in the car opened the window put the beanbag out and point my lens at it trouble was it was in deep shade so I had to bump up to 400 ISO and open the lens up still only getting about 40th second at 5.6. Its a shame really because it carried on and had a good old wash for about 10 minutes and if I had some good light I could have got some good action shots Still I am quite pleased with this and a couple more that I took. From the pond it flew of and perched on the lower branches of the Larch trees and spread its wings to dry and started preening again it let me drive up but I couldnt get a clean shot without other branches in front of it I then just sat for about 20 minutes watching it before she flew away not a bad start to December Weather not been to good these last weeks I popped down to Welney early one morning that was sort of ok ... 2006-12-3T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#5511 November 2006 Started setting up my winter feeding station this week. Had a couple of hours there today and quite pleased with this Blue Tit picture Had a look in Gamlingay wood in the afternoon and found this nice stand of Puffballs. Also found these Myceana which I thought looked nice. I spent some more time at my feeding station this week getting the birds accustomed to the car which I am using as a mobile hide this seems to be working very well with most of the birds especially with the Dunnocks. I also have a Stoat around I have seen him now 4 times from my setups 2 of which he was chasing a Rabbit I hope he may come where I can photograph him I may try putting out some roadkill to try and tempt him in the right place. Three taken today which I thought might make good cover pictures I quite enjoyed doing these makes a nice change from filling the frame with the subject must do some more of this Set up for the Stoat today but no luck but did manage a few mo... 2006-11-1T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#4959 October 2006 Had a quick look in Richmond park today and the rut is well under way I spoke to one photographer who said last weekend seemed the best for fighting and action shots. I always seem to pick the wrong week to go 2006-10-8T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#4154 September 2006 Had 3 Coal tits Parus ater in the garden today occasionally coming to the feeders with the other birds hopefully they will keep around and I can get some nice images of them I managed to grab a couple of shots this morning quite pleased but hopefully can do better. Had a look up Potton wood today to see if much fungi was coming up fair bit about but nothing that caught my eye. On the way back down the main ride I saw plenty of Hornets Vespa crabro. I managed to catch one of these and spent half an hour or so trying to get some close up shots. Quite misty this morning first thing so I went out looking for some cobweb shots and found this Small White Pieris rapae resting on a grass stem covered in dew. In the afternoon I went over to Willington gravel pits to try and get some Migrant hawkers Aeshna mixta in flight got a few nice shots. Set up a new feeding station the other day ready for the winter so I spent some time there today to see what was coming in. Pl... 2006-9-2T00:00:00Z http://www.andrew-darrington.com/page14.htm#4153 August 2006 Its the last week in August now and after a long dry spell we are now getting some rain this has made for a good flush of early fungi. I went over to the Ashridge estate the other day and there was quite a good showing if I had been a week earlier it would not have mattered as quite a few nice ones were already going over. After I left the Comb area I called in at another spot and was thrilled to find a good condition Magpie ink cap Coprinus picaceus standing in amongst Beech leaves which made my day. 2006-9-2T00:00:00Z