• Mandarin Ducks

    I went with some friends to look for kingfishers but instead we found a group of wild mandarin ducks. Originally from China, these ducks have now become established in the wild. The male has wonderful plumage, with orange feathers each side of the face and feathers sticking up like sails at the back. We were not blessed with strong light but, as the sun went down, the warm colour of the light really brought out the beauty of the birds. There were several pairs and I am sure that we will be going back to visit again.

  • southern hawker dragonfly female head

    Insects

    It’s July already and days to be out photographing insects have been few and disappointingly cold! However, with the warmer weather, damselflies and dragonflies are on the wing and butterflies are in evidence. I took the following photographs on a couple of afternoon outings the end of June and early July. One of the pre-requisites this year was to obtain a pair of wellies! This allowed me to venture further into the edge of ponds, giving myself a bit more of a chance to catch the flighty critters. In retrospect, maybe a set of waders would have been a better idea!

error: © Christine Widdall - Kirklees Cousins