Apologies if you read a similar query to this one from me on another birding site, but I'm hoping for speedy reassurance (or confirmation of my fears) on this one. Is it just an urban myth, as I hope, that if a magpie sees something shiny on the ground (such as a key) it is likely to investigate & probab...
Not averse to placing important news items on this forum as such a place already exists on the Manchester Birding website, this item is of such potential importance that I would ask you all to take a look and get involved if you can: - The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit and Natural England are setting u...
I've recently bought a Nikon D7100 and would like opinions on post-processing software. I currently use the fairly basic 'ACDSee 7.0' (can do crop, curves, noise reduction etc with this). I also now have the in-the-box CD 'Nikon ViewNX 2' but was surprised that there is no noise reduction facility w...
I am thinking of entering the world of DSLR photography for birding and as I have a number of Pentax K mount lenses and teleconverters, mainly Tamron and Sigma, from days that I took good old fashion film based photos, I was considering the Pentax range. However I have seen little comment on the quality...
Right through the centre of town About 12 mobile Goosanders very good at posing for pictures, two Little Grebe two pairs of Dippers, one singing bird with blue and white ring on left leg white or silver ring on right, flock of long tailed tits, Goldcrest, lots of Grey Wagtail and a Black Swan.
When choosing a new lens for my SLR recently, I decided to go for a dedicated macro after some thought, as insects are now of most interest to me. However, I would still like to take some bird shots, especially on one-off trips abroad (and for when I next run into a rarity in G. M/c). Has anyone had any decen...
I am selling my copy of the above : now out print and very hard to get hold of. £8 "Gulls have always presented identification problems, not least because of their complex plumage sequences. The footage here has been specifically filmed to show birds of various ages, standing, swimming and in fl...
Leica 20x - 60x Zoom Eyepiece Fits Leica APO Televid 77mm (20x-60x) or APO Televid 62mm (16x-48x) This is the newest model to be manufactured with twist eye relief cup and locking pin. Optically perfect and only one tiny scratch on the black paintwork. Includes soft pouch, lens caps, origina...
An afternoon visit to Cockersand for the reported Kentish Plover. On arrival, I bumped into Ian Woosey (nice to see you again Ian after all this time!!) who showed me where to look. The bird was quickly found sheltering from the wind behind some rocks and stubble amongst a few Ringed Plovers and a Dunli...
The wildlife trusts are coordinating a campaign to ensure that the government commits to protecting a minimum of the 31 zones selected out of the 127 zones proposed. This legislation is potentially ground-breaking but only if it is water-tight! They need us as passionate advocators of the environ...
Sorry not sure where to post this but just watched a female Goosander on the river at Haughton dale. It has a piece of white plastic around its beak restricting it from feeding. I've watched it for an hour and it seems to be in difficulty. Is there anyone I contact for help or is it likely to remove it?? Than...
Just wanted to say John Rayner's recently added 1983 Isles of Scilly trip report makes for a great story and well worth a read for anyone who has or hasn't been yet to the islands. You picked a good year to go for your first visit John! My first year only had a couple of scarce pipits and no real rarities but t...
This one day conference will take place on Sat. 23rd March at Neston on the Wirral I shouldn't have had to make this post really as Ian very kindly put the announcement on the Notice Board of the website with links to the conference timetable and booking form. However, it appears that some people only lo...
The Black Redstart has turned up again on BirdGuides in Warton, Carnforth its been there for a few days running now, can anyone help me find out where about? Any info would be gratefully received Cheers guys
Hi All I recently had a bird fly into my window and have 'rescued' it from the local feline population. A photo can be found at: http://www.algaeholics.talktalk.net/Birdy.jpg I'm guessing this is a Dipper - from my VERY limited experience. I was thinking of keeping it a few days in the warmth and then...
I am working on a website on an area of countryside and looking to encourage the public to submit wildlife records of all species not just birds. But principally birds. I am struggling to fathom it out and I wonder if you could point me in the right directon. There is a complication in that some of the area...
Hello all, I was wondering if anyone with experience in Sonogram software could message me some info. Raven lite. (the freeware from Cornell) is no longer compatible with macs after the last update so would like something similar which will work well with birdcalls. some that are more tuned to human...
A colleague is designing a handout leaflet for an impending event at Prestwich Clough SBI in associating with GMEU's Grey to Green project and is looking for any county photographers who might generously donate photos of common garden birds for the leaflet. He is looking for 5/6 images of garden bir...
Excellent condition Canon 400mm f5.6 L for sale. Box, case and both caps with it. Reason for sale, no longer used due to other lenses being more suited. £ 780 ovno. -- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 12th of March 2013 02:23:35 PM
hi I am in the Peterhead area. I have around 30 waxwings which come to my garden and feast on sliced apples. I put this food out on a regular basis. Should I go on feeding-not sure- when they are due to fly back to native country.
On my way to carnforth we stopped off for a McDonald's breakfast where we saw 40+ Waxwing in the tree near the hotel, they were feeding on a bush behind McDonald's.
Posted on behalf of John Tucker. Please note that ideally, discussion should not take place on this thread but any comments should be sent to John instead: Can you hear Goldcrest song? I am following up Richard Porter's comments in British Birds 105(3):152 and gathering data on the age-related loss...
I have for sale my Leica Ultravid 8 x 42 HD binoculars. They are in really excellent condition and come boxed with their eyecups, pouch and strap. The present day price you would have to pay for these binoculars is £1579, I am asking £850 which includes Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. The asking pr...
Adult at 10.30 this morning, Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, OS Grid Reference: SJ9748797893. At bottom of shrub hedge 20 metres up private road / footpath to 'Brookfield', east side of Mottram Old Road, at north end. Observed at distances from 3 to 5 metres.
Why do I allow myself to be seduced by proprietary bird seed? 'All year round', 'No mess', etc. If I put out sunflower hearts or niger (nyger? nyjer?) seed my feeders are alive with action but once I change to other varieties the garden becomes a bird-free zone. What's your experience?
