Red Throated Diver

Red Throated Diver

 

 

This beautiful Red Throated Diver was spotted flying into our Cornwall Birds reserve at Walmsley sanctuary near Wadebridge yesterday afternoon by Dave Thomas.

Unfortunately it looked to be having problems with oil on its feathers. This was probably why it had made its way inland and I watched it preening itself for quite a long time.

Today it was spotted flying out of the sanctuary but didn't get far as it crashed in the field behind the hides. Luckily one of our members found it and it has now been taken to get urgent veterinary treatment for the oil in its plumage and probably also in its stomach.

I couldn't resist a few photos as it is such a beautiful bird and although I've seen quite a lot of divers I was still amazed at how big it was when in the hand... or hands actually!

Fortunately it appeared quite strong and feisty so we all hope it survives its ordeal and can return to sea as soon as possible.

Our thanks to Geoff and Tom for literally taking it under their wings!

Cheetah in the Maasai Mara

Cheetah

 

 

I've been a bit lax in sorting out the photos from our safari in Kenya a few months ago but this cheetah image looked good as I was browsing so felt it warranted an airing!

A Merry Xmas and a Happy & Prosperous 2014 to all our friends.

Adrian.

Autumn colours in December

The Polmorla stream

A few shots of the Polmorla stream and its river banks taken just a few metres from where I was born at Polmorla here in Wadebridge.

The natural colours have been so much better in early December than they were in the earlier months of a traditional autumn.

The Polmorla stream

Autumns reflections

 

Woodland birds at feeding station

Nuthatch

 

A few shots from our woodland feeding station that is beginning to attract a lot of birds.

All we need to do now is to get them to pose in the right places!

Nuthatch

 

Great spotted Woodpecker

Blue Tit