Marvellous May Draws to a Close

What a fantastic end to, what is unquestionably, one of the greatest wildlife watching months of the year! The wildlife treate I have enjoyed over the last week have been made all the better by some simply glorious weather to.
Having had a real dry spell in terms of taking good photos recently, I decided that this half term week would fuel the return to some great wildlife encounters. The week started with a run over to the forest of Dean. The woods are in full bloom now and noise seemed to radiate from every branch, however the thick leaf layer did a superb job of masking the performers. Large crowds were enjoying the weather and queing to see the Pied Flycatchers. I, on the other hand, seized a final opportunity to photograph the beautiful Bluebells that carpet the woodland floor.
Tuesday was greeted by a trip to Slimbridge WWT, where the Kingfishers were displaying beautifully in front of their nest hole. The new Kingfisher Hide that the WWT have erected this year provided a comfortable place to enjoy these fabulous birds. They are always just a little to far away to snap well, but I finally got some shots.
Another addition to the WWT site has been the canoe safaris. Not only do they offer a little light exercise but also provide the opportunity to get really close to wildlife. We cruised right past families of Greylag Geese and Mute Swan, neither of which were in the least bit bothered by our proximity to their young. At one point we stopped by the reeds and enjoyed a Reed Warbler singing right by us, something that never happens by footpaths.
Wednesday was wet and gloomy but a trip to Bristol helped to perk the mood up.
On thursday I decided to try out my macro setup, something I've not had a proper chance to do yet. I found a tiny baby snail in the garden and spent some time experimenting with the setup, and using different flash techniques to develop shots.
At the weekend the beautiful sunshine tempted us to Knole Park, a National Trust prpoerty on ther edge of Sevenoaks. The stunning House there is surrounded by acres of well managed park land. A Green Woodpecker was showing fantastically but flew just as I was getting into position to photograph it. The real star attraction are the Fallow Deer that inhabit the park. Normally these shy mammals allow you to appropach within 20 or 30 metres, providing opportunities too get godd pictures. To my surprise however, one very adventurous doe strolled right up to our group, perhaps hoping we might provide it with some small titbits of food.
To complete a wonderful week, I took my first visit to the wild flower meadows on the Clifton Downs. The Ox Eye Daisies and Common Spotted Orchids are just beginning to bloom, but there were no signs of the Goats Beard or Bee Orchids yet.
A fabulous end to a fabulous month.