"Oh what a beautiful Day" and it certainly was when a rare visitor from Southern Europe a Squacco Heron turned up at Par just outside St Austell. So left home just after 7am this morning with Paul from "Cornwall Birding website ", and Ashley from "Ashley H Photography Blog site". arriving at Par just before 8am. Taking a short walk to the pool where the Heron was seen we met Mark Whittaker from "Fat Wagtail Blog" and he pointed out the bird partly hidden in trees on the small island in the pond.
At this point it was difficult to get a clear view, and Mark said it had dropped down about 07.30 and took quite a large fish. So it looked like we were in for a long haul, and we were right it stayed in its perch for two hours before deciding to move. I can say that from then on things got a whole lot better as it moved down through the branches to ground level over a period of about 1 1/2 hours and gave plenty of photo opportunities before it went back into the trees.
So this was a Lifer for me and a stunning bird to boot, so I have selected a set of images from the beginning when we arrived up to the time it returned to its perch before we left. This bird has left a great memory imprinted on my brain.
Great set of images. Nice capture on the 3rd one with its beak open.
ReplyDeleteGood to spend the day with you!!
A lovely selection of images there Monty and a nice post. Good to see you again.
ReplyDeleteLovely set of images,ive gone green just seeing them.Glad you had such a rewarding day.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome series of pictures. I really appreciate seeing birds that I normally would not get to see. Glad your beautiful morning and patience was so rewarding.
ReplyDelete☼ Sunny
What an opportunity, its not often we get a rare bird this close.
ReplyDeleteI guessed from reading the sighting reports that you might join the hunt. Superb series Monty and definitely worth the wait to capture another lifer. Congrats my friend. FAB.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Monts. Nice to meet up again.
ReplyDeleteThe Heron does not seem to be too concerned with all the attention it is getting....now if only they were all like that.
Great stuff Monty .. Was a pleasure meeting you today !
ReplyDeleteYour photos are excellent, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI echo what everyone else as already said. Stunning shots, Monty.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of shots Monty, and congrats on a new bird.
ReplyDeleteNice series Mont. Just Paul Freestone in future! LOL.
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