DISCLAIMER: This is a photo heavy post of Black Redstart images. Locally, as many people are aware, we have had a Black Redstart over-winter, this is now it’s second year. And it has fast become a star attraction for local (and not so local) bird watchers and wildlife photographers. Until very recently however it was an elusive bird to see, hanging out in gardens of the near by housing estate. Recently the bird became much easier to see however. I’m not going to post exact locations, as frankly, at times the way it has been followed around by visiting photographers (as far as I can tell those ..read more

On the morning of 7th June (2021) local birder Szimi (WorldWaders on Twitter) found a singing, male, Marsh Warbler at the Floodplain forest nature reserve in Milton Keynes (usually referred to by me as the patch). There are only a handful of Bucks records for this bird, none in many decades. This was a major event! Typically I was at work. The post Marsh Warbler – Rare Breeding Birds at the Floodplain Forest NR appeared first on Views From An Urban Lake ..read more

Continuing my “how to photograph…” series, this month I thought I would get you ready for the up coming spring and summer months with: How to Photograph Butterflies. After all it won’t be long till these wonderful, delicate creatures, are once again on the wing in good numbers. How to photograph butterflies: Where to Look Like all good guides on wildlife photography (probably) it is important to start with where to look for butterflies. Knowing their locations, both geographically and on a plant, will help you capture the shots you want. Butterflies, like many insects, have preferred habitats ..read more

With the cold, wet, and even snowy, weather now well and truly upon us, I am grateful that writing this humble blog affords me the occasional, fitting, product review. So when Trespass contacted me to review one of their mens waterproof winter coats, I was very happy to oblige. I opted for the Glover Men’s Waterproof Jacket. Trespass Glover Men’s Waterproof Jacket – tale of the tape Waterproof: 8000mm Breathable: 3000mvp Windproof: Yes Taped Seams: Yes Padded Adjustable Grown on Hood 4 Pockets Ribbed Inner Cuff and Collar Super Soft Lining Adjustable Cuff with Tab Inner Pocket Chin Guard Shell ..read more

The the grass crunched under my feet as I crossed the glittering fields of the Ouse Valley, Old Wolverton, in front of me a lush landscape, dusted white overnight, by the impish Jack frost. Crystal clear, endless, blue sky stretched out over the freezing river valley. Breathing in the cold air was like a refreshing slap to the face. Some winters mornings it is just great to be alive, and outside. Frost and Ice in the Ouse Valley Making my way to the Old Locks, a Raven croaked overhead, my first of the year, briefly seen, as the jet black behemoth of a corvid swept out of sight over one of the ..read more

Patches of snow, clinging on from the weekends flurries, still pockmark the fields around Wolverton Mill as I began my mornings lockdown walk. Making my way past the the Holy Trinity church in Old Wolverton, it was interesting to see the last of the snow still hanging in there. The hill below the church a crisscross of sledge track marks. The odd, untouched, field, across the river valley still quite laden. I guess the overnight frosts have helped maintain it (although as I type rain has pretty much removed it all now). Approaching along the recently damaged river path, a Kingfisher flashed pa ..read more

When it comes to fitting walking boots, or hiking boots, it seems everyone has a different opinion. I don’t know if this is because there is no one standard way, or because old advice permeates modern footwear. Or even just because everyone likes to think they know best. Whatever the reason it is hard to get the information you need sometimes. Well not to be outdone, I’m throwing my two cents worth into the mix. This guide comes from experience, talking to boot sellers and manufacturers, and speaking with other hikers and walkers. Fitting Walking Boots I have read over the years that you shoul ..read more

It is often a dream of many bird watchers to see a Kingfisher, the flash of blue, the stunning oranges, they are truly a dream bird for many. The same can often be said of wildlife photographers. And so this is my guide on how to photograph Kingfisher. I hope it helps some of you achieve your dream. How to Photograph Kingfisher – a warning Firstly let me start off with a warning. Kingfisher are a Schedule 1 protected species. This means that disturbing the birds at or near a nest site is against the law, without a license. So DO NOT DO IT! Now there are various ways to interpret this rule, and ..read more

The heady scent of smouldering wood filled the air as light smoke rose from the small stoves housed on the local barges, when my journey along the still dark canal began. I wanted an early start for my peaceful Sunday morning wanderings at the Floodplain Forest Nature reserve, avoiding too many people. Never an easy thing in mid winter, as the sun doesn’t appear until after 8am. Peaceful Sunday Morning Wanderings at the Floodplain Forest The golden hour was upon me by the time I reached the floodplains. Mallard could be seen swimming the margins, small packs of them, gathering together for saf ..read more

Large, heavy, drops of rain slowly drenched through my coat as it persistently fell from the leaden skies above. I was soaked before I even reached a viewpoint over the floodplain forest nature reserve. My 2nd walk of the year (and first on the patch) was going to be a very wet one. Wet and Wild walk on the patch I should have known today would be a wet and wild walk on the patch. The rain had been a consistant patter on the Velux window, above my bed, throughout the night, so why would I think anything else would be likely. Still birds are capable of being found in the rain (although photo op ..read more