Blog Layout
Lisa G Saw • April 2, 2023

The Bird Feeder Show

SWT Woods Mill

There’s a hint of spring around the nature reserve, with Daffodils already past their best, Wood Anemones carpeting the woodland floor and the promise of Bluebells yet to come. I can hear the soft hum of the bees buzzing around a beautiful row of Blackthorn trees awash with their pretty white flowers. Buds and catkins can be seen on the deciduous trees, and plenty of lichen decorate the branches and trunks, but the leaves are yet to appear. We didn’t arrive early enough to see any butterflies on the wing, though I’m sure the afternoon sunshine and warmth would have been enough to entice a few.

It’s wonderful hearing all the birds singing as we walk around. The recognisable trill of the Wren conjures up fond memories from my previous visits. It’s as if I’m being welcomed back by friends. I’ve been away too long. Life has been busy. Now, I can slow down and breathe deeply, inhaling the fresh air. I can just feel myself relaxing as we slowly amble through the reserve. It’s so good to be walking along the familiar paths once again. The calm of nature is so alluring.At the start of September, I returned to Boat of Garten in Scotland, where I’d visited back in March. This time I was on my own and staying in different accommodation – a lovely comfortable, warm chalet at the holiday park. I enjoyed the familiarity of the location, but mostly made a point of exploring new places and having different experiences.

There’s a hint of spring around the nature reserve, with Daffodils already past their best, Wood Anemones carpeting the woodland floor and the promise of Bluebells yet to come. I can hear the soft hum of the bees buzzing around a beautiful row of Blackthorn trees awash with their pretty white flowers. Buds and catkins can be seen on the deciduous trees, and plenty of lichen decorate the branches and trunks, but the leaves are yet to appear. We didn’t arrive early enough to see any butterflies on the wing, though I’m sure the afternoon sunshine and warmth would have been enough to entice a few.

It’s wonderful hearing all the birds singing as we walk around. The recognisable trill of the Wren conjures up fond memories from my previous visits. It’s as if I’m being welcomed back by friends. I’ve been away too long. Life has been busy. Now, I can slow down and breathe deeply, inhaling the fresh air. I can just feel myself relaxing as we slowly amble through the reserve. It’s so good to be walking along the familiar paths once again. The calm of nature is so alluring.

After our walk, with little tempting my camera into action, we decide to rest a while in the hide that overlooks the bird feeders. Maybe there’ll be more activity here! We slide along the wooden bench and sit next to a stranger already poised with his camera facing the feeders. Soon, I’m doing the same, excited about what I’ll see. It’s like we’re sitting in the front row at a theatre about to watch a show, only I realise I’ve missed the start, as birds are already coming and going frequently. It’s the last frenzy to feed as the day draws to a close. Much of the scene in front of me is cloaked in shade, at the edge of the woodland. Only small shafts of light still manage to penetrate through the trees. Ever so slowly, these golden pathways change as the sun continually lowers. Even in these last hours of light, there’s much to enjoy.

The Great Tits and Blue Tits are dominating the show. They fly to a perch in close proximity to the feeders, glancing all around to check the coast is clear. Then swiftly, they fly in and out, grabbing something to eat and disappearing into the trees in a heartbeat. Sometimes they loiter, when it’s quieter and feels safe. Other times, they scarper, as if threatened by something dangerous nearby.



I’ve photographed the Great Tits many times before. I enjoy watching them, but only when they perch in a picturesque spot do I bother to capture the moment. As weird as it sounds, I think my lack of love for them has something to do with their appearance. They look so harsh and stern with their black head and belly stripe. I chastise myself. I know I should love and appreciate all the birds!

The Great Tits and Blue Tits are dominating the show. They fly to a perch in close proximity to the feeders, glancing all around to check the coast is clear. Then swiftly, they fly in and out, grabbing something to eat and disappearing into the trees in a heartbeat. Sometimes they loiter, when it’s quieter and feels safe. Other times, they scarper, as if threatened by something dangerous nearby. I’ve photographed the Great Tits many times before. I enjoy watching them, but only when they perch in a picturesque spot do I bother to capture the moment. As weird as it sounds, I think my lack of love for them has something to do with their appearance. They look so harsh and stern with their black head and belly stripe. I chastise myself. I know I should love and appreciate all the birds!

Now, the Blue Tits on the other hand, I love. Their gorgeous blue and pale yellow colouration and feisty character warms my heart. In a way, they’re like the underdogs when it comes to the hierarchy of the bird feeder. But today they’re faring well. I was hoping to capture a shot of one perched on a branch in the last of the sunlight, rather than on the feeder, but I kept missing them. They’re so quick. The opportunities are fleeting. One time, I stayed focused on one spot in anticipation of a Blue Tit landing there, and for ages none did. I waited and waited. I started thinking, I’m never going to get the shot I want! Briefly, my attention was diverted to a Blue Tit in another good spot. I quickly shifted my focus and just then, it flew to where I had been focused on. Damn! I missed my moment!

It was lovely to see some of my other favourite birds frequenting the area. Early on, a Nuthutch was feeding – a gorgeous masked bandit – but, it didn’t stay long and never returned. A few Long Tailed Tits came to join the show early and again later on. One very kindly perched long enough for me to grab a shot of it looking cute and fluffy. I even took one on the round bird feeder. I particularly liked the way its distinct shape was slightly silhouetted with the bright light shining on the vegetation in the background.

Surprisingly, skirting the main stage and only hiding in the wings, there was a male Blackbird. I expected it to wade in and at least collect some seeds on the ground, which had fallen from the feeders above. A Robin did exactly that, but didn’t linger. A Grey Squirrel was also skulking around, a little uncharacteristically. We thought it might have been injured, as it didn’t move as deftly as expected. It lacked a spring in its step and the confidence I’ve seen in others. It crept up tentatively, and fed from the ground, before sloping off again.

It was lovely to see some of my other favourite birds frequenting the area. Early on, a Nuthutch was feeding – a gorgeous masked bandit – but, it didn’t stay long and never returned. A few Long Tailed Tits came to join the show early and again later on. One very kindly perched long enough for me to grab a shot of it looking cute and fluffy. I even took one on the round bird feeder. I particularly liked the way its distinct shape was slightly silhouetted with the bright light shining on the vegetation in the background.

Surprisingly, skirting the main stage and only hiding in the wings, there was a male Blackbird. I expected it to wade in and at least collect some seeds on the ground, which had fallen from the feeders above. A Robin did exactly that, but didn’t linger. A Grey Squirrel was also skulking around, a little uncharacteristically. We thought it might have been injured, as it didn’t move as deftly as expected. It lacked a spring in its step and the confidence I’ve seen in others. It crept up tentatively, and fed from the ground, before sloping off again.

There were two species that took centre stage on the ground. It started with the Reed Buntings. Not a species I’ve seen before at feeders. The first one looked a little shabby, as if it had forgotten to put on its best feathers for the occasion. Moulting, it wasn’t quite in its full breeding plumage yet. However, it was joined by a much more handsome fellow who was sure to attract the attention of the females soon. The two of them enjoyed a good feast, but they kept to the shaded spots virtually the whole time, often choosing to stand with their back to me. I kept willing them into the shaft of light on the ground, so I could see their eyes and beak. Of course, I didn’t want any of the vegetation to get in the way either or for it to be distracting. Is that so much to ask? I chuckle to myself. Sometimes the quest for photographic perfection means you miss the beauty in the present moment.

The star of the show was an unexpected interloper – not even a bird. A gorgeous little Bank Vole stole my heart for the hour. There were actually two of them. Though we only saw them both at the same time very briefly. I think they sniffed each other and then one scarpered. The Blue Tits may have been quick, dashing in and out of the scene, but the vole was lightning fast. It hid in a clump of tall grass. Every now and then it poked its head out. Then in a flash, it grabbed a seed and retreated. Its very survival depends upon its speed, so it was no wonder it was hard to capture a photo. Only when the coast was clear, did it loiter for more than a few seconds. I was so grateful for the opportunity to take a few lovely photos, especially when the vole was kind enough to pose in the light for me too.

There were two species that took centre stage on the ground. It started with the Reed Buntings. The first one looked a little shabby, as if it had forgotten to put on its best feathers for the occasion. Moulting, it wasn’t quite in its full breeding plumage yet. However, it was joined by a much more handsome fellow. The two of them enjoyed a good feast, but they kept to the shaded spots virtually the whole time, often choosing to stand with their back to me. I kept willing them into the shaft of light on the ground, so I could see their eyes and beak. Of course, I didn’t want any of the vegetation to get in the way either or for it to be distracting. Is that so much to ask? I chuckle to myself. Sometimes the quest for photographic perfection means you miss the beauty in the present moment.

The star of the show was an unexpected interloper – a gorgeous little Bank Vole stole my heart for the hour. There were actually two of them. Though we only saw them both at the same time very briefly. I think they sniffed each other and then one scarpered. The Blue Tits may have been quick, dashing in and out of the scene, but the vole was lightning fast. It hid in a clump of tall grass. Every now and then it poked its head out. Then in a flash, it grabbed a seed and retreated. Its very survival depends upon its speed, so it was no wonder it was hard to capture a photo. Only when the coast was clear, did it loiter for more than a few seconds. I was so grateful for the opportunity to take a few lovely photos, especially when the vole was kind enough to pose in the light for me too.

I could have watched the Bank Vole for hours. But, it was growing colder by the second as evening approached. We were leaving before the show was over, but felt we’d enjoyed enough of the main event to be ready to depart. There was no big grand finale, but just before we left, we took one last look at the stage and saw a female Mallard hoovering up the leftover seeds.



It was a wonderful way to spend an hour. Nature is the gift that keeps giving!

Argentina

By Lisa G Saw • February 13, 2025
PRIOR TO EPIC ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE I'd given up the idea of visiting Antarctica after the trip I was booked on in November 2020 was cancelled due to Covid. It was meant to be a 50th Birthday treat for myself. As you can imagine, it was hugely disappointing. With the future looking so uncertain at that time, especially being self-employed, I abandoned the idea of going because it was just so much money. I know there were many people that had cancelled holidays then, including Bob's son, Matt, who'd been due to visit Madagascar. In 2024, Matt was finally having that dream holiday and when we were having a meal out one evening he was talking about his impending trip. For the first time in ages, I mentioned my own disappointment and how it didn't seem likely I'd go to the Antarctic, especially as Bob didn't seem interested in going. In a rather bizarre turn of events, later that same evening Matt received some information from Birdquest about a 50% discount on an Antarctic trip leaving in 6 weeks with Oceanwide Expeditions. I couldn't believe it! What's more, after reading about the trip and the dates, I realised it coincided with my mid term break in classes, and so it seemed entirely possible I could go. I'd have to extend my break from teaching to allow enough time to travel to/from South America and for the 21 days of the trip, but it seemed crazy not to take advantage of this amazing offer. I was keen to go, Bob was less so, and we took a weekend to think about it, look at all the costs involved, before making a decision. In that time, we nearly both talked ourselves out of going. For me, it was largely to do with whether I should go, considering the impact such a voyage has on the polar region and also my carbon footprint. After much deliberation, I decided it was such an amazing opportunity, I didn't want to pass it up. I needed to let go of any guilt in choosing to go and it was also important to me to find some balance - such as making a donation, sharing the photos and the experience not only in this blog, but by giving talks. This was in alignment with my greater purpose, which is to inspire people to care about nature and this planet and not just what's on our own doorstep, but all around the world. I'd actually given up the hope that Bob would join me, but as we looked through the promotional photos for the trip, he suddenly said, 'Okay! Just book it!' I was so surprised, but thrilled he was going to join me. What an amazing experience we would have together. I quickly booked before he could change his mind and six weeks later we were flying out to Argentina to begin our epic adventure.
Scotch Argus

Cumbria Revisited

By Lisa G Saw • December 4, 2024
Earlier in the year, Bob and I had a wonderful holiday up in Scotland, focusing mostly on the Isle of Mull. I've written several blog posts about this trip, which you can read by clicking on this link . However, at the start and the end of our time up north, we went looking for new butterfly species for me - ones we don't see in the south of England. I'm currently in the process of trying to see all UK butterfly species. During our last few days of that holiday, we were in Cumbria searching for the Large Heath, Northern Brown Argus and the Mountain Ringlet. It was too early for the High Brown Fritillary following the cool damp spring, however, there was a chance of seeing some in early August, albeit potentially very tatty and right at the end of their flight season. We'd already started mulling over the idea of returning to Cumbria at that time of year to see another butterfly species new to me, the Scotch Argus. The opportunity to see both species was too tempting to pass by. So, we returned to Cumbria on 6th August, but this time just for two days. It was all we could fit in to our schedule.

Cumbria Highlights

By Lisa G Saw • November 15, 2024
After our wonderful holiday up in Scotland, which I've written about in my previous posts - the last of which was Other Mull Highliahts - Bob and I headed to Cumbria. It was a great way for us to break up our journey south. We were based in Kendal. We had three full days and three new butterfly species for me to find: Large Heath, Northern Brown Argus and Mountain Ringlet. None of these species can be found in the south and I'm currently on a quest to see all species of Butterfly in the UK (mainland). I knew it was going to be a challenge because once again, the weather really wasn't on our side with mostly rain, wind and overcast conditions. But, after our success in Fort William and seeing my first Chequered Skipper in less than ideal conditions, I was optimistic there was still a chance of success, albeit small. DAY 1 Our focus on the Saturday was the Large Heath butterfly. It's a species that's endangered in the UK because so much of its habitat has been destroyed. They like wet boggy land and Meathop Moss Nature Reserve is a great place to see them. It was less than 30 minutes drive from our hotel. We headed off in really dreary weather wondering how the day ahead would unfold.
Show More
Share by: