Little Bunting at Gulval, Cornwall

This Little Bunting was found feeding in some set-aside between Gulval and Ludgvan.  It was originally found by Paul St.Pierre of the RSPB whilst out checking set-aside sites.  The bird remained faithful to a small corner of the field and stayed low for long periods.  Images taken with a Nikon D800e body and 500mm F4 lens.

Silver-studded Blue in early morning back-light

Taken with the sun at about 10 o'clock of the image.

Four-spotted Chaser

Taken at Bissoe.  This is the prenublia form with extra dark markings in the wing.

Back-lit Silver-studded Blue

Taken with 200mm Nikon micro Nikkor F/4, tripod, Ap F/10.  Exp +1.0EV.  The setting sun was just above the image.

First year Dotterel at Davidstow in early morning light

Taken just as the sun was rising.

First year Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Davidstow, October 2010

One of my overall favourite waders

Green Heron at Heligan Gardens, Cornwall

Bird of the Year 2010; second for Cornwall and seventh for Britain.

Storm driven Little Gull in Mount's Bay

Taken in February 2010 off Newlyn

Fly on a blade of grass

Taken with 105mm macro.

Spotted Orchid among Cowslip

Two shots of the same flower taken a week apart; the first tonight with a 105mm macro lens and the second with a telephoto at 400mm F/4. Both have their merits. 

Lesser Whitethroat with prey

Adult female Rock Thrush, Northern Cyprus



We average just one Rock Thrush every Spring.



Roller in Northern Cyprus, April 2010

Spring 2010 was the best year for Rollers with double figures seen daily.

Male Red-backed Shrike and larder

Taken in Turkey, June 2009.

Glossy Ibis at Memetcik flood meadow, Northern Cyprus

April 2009 - one of my favourites from the trip.

Whooper Swan composition at Drift Reservoir

Egyptian Vulture with prey in Boa Vista, Cape Verde

Less than a handful of pairs breed on Boa Vista - I managed to see this adult take some prey from the ground and then fly past me.

Black-capped Finch Lark in Cape Verde

These tiny larks were very common in Cape Verde.  This male is feeding a juvenile in the desert in early morning light.

Close-up Red-throated Diver at St. Andrew's Pool

This non-breeding adult Red-throated Diver was first found on Par beach pool but it later moved to St. Andrews.  It was unusually tame and offered fantastic photographic opportunities.  Of all the shots I took, this is one of my favourites.

Marsh Cinquefoil among Yellow Flag Iris on Goss Moor

I took these shots tonight on Goss Moor.  The weather turned grey and any ideas of finding butterflies vanished quickly.  I turned to these Marsh Cinquefoils which were found in boggy ground with some Yellow Flag in the background.  Aperture was set to F/4 to blur the background.

The name Cinquefoil derives from the plants' double five pointed star-like leaves.