Dagnall Pheasant, Startops Wagtails

I spent some time near Dagnall hoping to catch sight of Red Kite, but all I managed was a distant glimpse close to the horizon, and simply got colder and colder; not helped by the fact that despite my many layers I forgot to wear a coat! I did get a shot of a male pheasant that was bright in colour, another that was duller, and some even duller females.

I returned home for lunch before setting off for the Tring reservoirs, where as I parked my car I met up with Tringford Anglers’ Bailliff, Bob, his wife and a friend, we chatted for a while then I set off for Startops via the main road, grabbed a shot of the church in the distance in some sunshine, and then tried to follow a pied wagtail and a grey wagtail – it never ceases to surprise to me how it got its name as the most striking colour is bright yellow! They are the epitome of flighty birds, making short hops out over the water then back to bank just five metres further along, presumably they have decided to become my physiotherapist or trainer by keeping me on the move!

It was soon after that whilst intent on some bird or other that from behind I heard my name called, I turned around as I recognised the voice, and the face of the lady who called was definitely familiar but for the life of me I could not put a name to her face, and embarrassingly had to be helped to be reminded. I owe her such an apology because not only had she recognised me from behind, we have known each other for more than a decade! She has been the receptionist at Kevin Calvert’s studio for as long as I can remember. OK, I can say she was out of context, but it is still no excuse, so, if you are reading this – please forgive me – for a long moment I was completely at a loss. Also, I hope the cut from the dog’s lead which cut into your hand heals rapidly.

The Mallard ducks were in great flying fettle that afternoon, and as I left to return to my car and home I spotted one lonely clump of crocuses and some old man’s beard in the woods by the stream.

A Bitterly Cold Dawn

Eleven Days on from the other bright morning when I found myself covering the Protest March between the villages of Slip End and Caddington, I woke early and I already knew there was a possible bright start to the day. I took a look outside and decided I needed to take some photographs.

I got dressed, collected my camera and a few lenses and wandered first to our newly refurbished Co-op store. Already there was activity; the shutters were up and staff were preparing for the new day, I took a handful of shots, then jumped in the car and drove to Slip End where I took shots of the re-routed Public Footpath and the soak-away for the motorway, before moving towards Luton Hoo and the hill down towards the Lower Luton Road.

I spotted a lone Red Kite gently soaring over the valley and a pheasant took off from behind me and flew over the road; I managed to capture a couple of shots before he disappeared, but in the biting wind I had to wait quite a while before the Kite came into range again, but at last I was able to get some usable shots, even though it remained fairly distant.

A Pheasant Autumn Day in the Country

Due to work, I have missed being outside in some of the best days in the last few weeks, so having watched the Suzuka Grand Prix in the morning I gathered up my camera and drove out towards Peters Green to see what I could capture.

In the hedgerows were numerous red and golden leaves often caught by the sun, and acorns and berries and these always make nice cards, so I pulled up on the verge several times to shoot these.

Having managed to grab a quick shot of a hen pheasant early on and a few landscapes, I set off left in Peters Green, and spotted a few more pheasants, and the local gamekeeper came by and suggested a much better spot, just a short way further down. I settled down quietly and was soon rewarded by a hen pheasant and then some cocks and even a curious rabbit.