Duke of Burgundy Fritillary. Noar Hill, Hampshire.13/05/2012

The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary is Europe's only representative of the Riodinidae family. Having never seen one in Britain and with the weather forcast looking good, Kate and I went in search of the little gems at one of Britain's prime sites for the species Noar Hill in Hampshire, a fabulous Hampshire Wildlife Trust reserve, a good three and a half hours from our home in Cornwall. We were not disappointed, finding three almost immediately and it just got better as the day went on, with a total of over thirty by the time we left at 3.30pm. The majority being males.......FANTASTIC!

Kentish Plovers. Marazion. 11/05/2012

It's been several years since I last saw a Kentish Plover, so when I heard that there was a pair on Marazion Beach I took the opportunity to see them early this morning. I was rewarded with superb views of both as they rested on the tideline. They were simply Stunning!

Ouzels and Redstart at Rosewell Hill

There have been several Ring Ouzels at Rosewall Hill near St Ives over the last few days, so Kate and I decided to pay a visit in the hope of finding some. We bumped into fellow birding friends John and Sue Rowe, Paul Dinning and Farley and Jean Rice. We were all delighted to see, three males and a female showing well on occasions and staying in view long enough for me to capture these shots. Later we were also treated to some fantastic views of a stunning male Redstart. What a great day's birding!!!

Ring-necked Duck Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, nr Stithians, Cornwall 1 4 2012

This drake Ring-necked Duck has been visiting the lake at Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, nr Stithians over the winter. I caught up with it on a fine spring morning before it's imminent departure north with the accompanying Tufted Ducks

Hoopoe, Lower Bosistow Farm, Polgigga

Caught up with one of the two Hoopoes at Bosistow this afternoon, it showed well on and off for over an hour. Just can't get enough of these exotic migrants!

Night Heron, Polgigga, St Leven, Cornwall

It's been several years since I last saw a Night Heron in Cornwall,so when news of this adult at the duck pond in Polgigga, West Cornwall broke it was too good an opportunity to miss. As their name suggests they are birds of the night, so initially it was content to roost in the dense vegitation on the island. it stayed hidden for a couple of hours or more , but when it eventually ventured out into the open..... "WOW"!!!

Bufflehead. Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, nr Stithians, Cornwall

I received a phone call at 5pm today from Keith Wilson from Trelusback Farm, Penhalvean, nr Stithians, to say he had a small duck with a white cheek patch on his lake, and did I know what it could be?. I replied, it could be a Bufflehead I'll be right over!!! Kate and I jumped into the car and went to have a look, and sure enough it was as I suspected a Bufflehead, probably the loe pool bird as it was in the same juv/female plumage. As it was on a small lake, views were down to about 20-30 metres and as it was associating with Tufted Ducks size comparisons could be made.