How often do their activities involve Bishops?
White takes with a double entendre (en passant for advanced players).
Well it’s the right sort of ‘shape’
Other than that, it’s impossible to rule out other falcons.
1 Like
In the absence of migrants due to the Northerly blast we’ve had in the last week, a Merlin that briefly landed unusually close made the time in the field worthwhile today.
Of course they’re always aware of your presence and soon lock on to you
Inevitable it only remained for a few seconds before flying off but it was a treat to see it as well as this.
16 Likes
Superb shots Paul - what a beauty 
A few of those missing migrants may be accounted for thusly…
Greater noctule bats prey on and consume passerines in flight
1 Like
Found a juvenile American Golden Plover at Aithbank this morning.
I’ve seen quite a few, here and the Isles of Scilly mainly, but this is the first on for my self-found list.
Finally, it’s a crap photo but it shows the diagnostic dark underwing compared to the the Golden Plover (left)
9 Likes
There was no sign of the American Golden Plover yesterday or this morning but it was back near Aith Burn this afternoon.
7 Likes
How much time do you reckon you spend in the field Paul ? You seem always on 
It largely depends on the time of year.
This Autumn I would estimate somewhere around 100 - 120 hrs/month. Similar in Spring, during the migration period.
In the Summer I do quite a bit of (voluntary) survey work for various bird organisations so it’s variable. In Winter maybe an hour or two per day but not every day and very dependant on weather conditions.
1 Like
Wow, I would call that seriously committed to your cause.
Out on Oare Marshes Friday, beautiful morning, Rock, Meadow Pipits, (maybe Water Pipit heard) Stonechats, Avocet, Ringed Plover, Sanderling and Curlew - nice time of year to be out
,
11 Likes
Ridiculous views of a Long-eared Owl this afternoon.
Quite striking how different it looks, in and out of the sunlight.
21 Likes
Those eyes are amazing!
Whoooo - me?
why don’t owls mate in the rain?
It’s too wet to woo.
[geek alert on]
Sorting through the remainder of today’s pics I’ve found a couple that show the nictitating membranes nicely, along with the bird’s ability to employ them independently.
Well, I though it was interesting 
[geek alert off]
12 Likes
Great photos Paul - what an amazing bird.
1 Like