This is the fourth attempt to track down and photograph the
Firecrest that has been present for several weeks. Previous attempts have been totally unsuccessful or with mediocre results. Today, with good lighting and a couple of hours to spare together with the (hopefully) right optics I might strike gold!
Shortly after arriving at the Trust I made my way to the bramble patch where I had located one previously and was very quickly rewarded with a distant sighting...too far away for a photo and in any case, moving at speed, in dense undergrowth! Here we go again, I thought but at least it was still here!
After waiting patiently for it to re-appear two familiar figures appeared both with 500mm lens....the duo, David ( of Fourth Groyne renown) and Martin. It was Martin who was desperate to get this bird!
We talked and got up to date with our adventures and then moved on to another different site...a 'possible' turned out to be a Goldcrest. Having almost given up and on the point of returning to the cafe we suddenly were aware of a couple of long lenses pointing to a bramble clump......yes, that's it!!
Much excitement followed!!
Many shutters clicking frantically at ten frames a second...many blurred images, many frames without a bird at all! The bird showed for a few seconds and soon disappeared,
Time for tea and cakes. On reviewing the images there were a few record shots and a couple or three acceptable images...but only one with the vital catchlight in the eye. Not bad...but could be better. Perhaps it calls for yet another visit when maybe that beautiful golden crown will be raised to achieve the perfect picture!
Thanks for the tea and cakes, Dave!
A cracking little bird....the smallest bird in Europe, even smaller than a Wren!
