Hadn’t taken on-board that oystercatchers were so long-lived -
https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/oldest-oystercatcher-discovered
The neighbourhood Sparrowhawk has just raided the resident Blackbird nest. I think all the newly hatched chicks are gone. Nest is just too exposed. Plenty of time for another clutch from the Blackbirds though. They haven’t abandoned this nest, the female is still sat in there, but no chicks, sad.
Plenty of time for Blackbirds to raise another clutch.
Meanwhile, somewhere nearby, a set of Sparrowhawk chicks will be enjoying a hearty breakfast 
I told Miriam that, but she has a thing for those Blackbirds.
1 Like
So it’s not really a bird picture as such, but yesterday I was driving up the road when out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw a large bird. Then I thought, ‘Jesus that’s a huge bird’ as it loomed larger, before I turned to look properly and realised it was a Hercules.
A neighbour caught the following:
Not a Hercules 
Ah, A400M?
1 Like
Yeah, think so.
Yeah, I think you’re right. I didn’t have a chance to look properly as was driving, so instinctively thought, ‘Hercules’ when I saw a dark military style prop plane, and didn’t look at the photo closely enough.
T tail is a giveaway.
Yes, and pronounced undercarriage housings.
And the props.
And the wings, and fuselage…
1 Like
Sorry, just the first thing I noticed.
The Swallows are back at the stables, incredible how fast they swoop in and out of the barns. Could watch them all day!
5 Likes
I’ve seen depressingly few this year - even worse than last year 
Similar - just arrived and on the telephone wires over my garden 
1 Like
Number three for me
1 Like
Bird nest photography c1890s. The Kearton brothers, who pioneered wildlife photography
6 Likes