Stone curlews

Two pictures of a flock of approximately sixty that Les & I saw in East Anglia on Saturday 22/9 2012. We went to precisely the same spot last year at about the same date and saw a slightly smaller flock take to the skies after a brief heavy shower. The birds are gathering now ready for migration and were a superb sight.

Mystery web

We found this strange web on Dunwich heath, it was so dense it held water as seen here. This was taken at ten to one on a really hot September day. I am going to have to try and find out what the insect engineer was of this amazing web. I could not see any signs of life in it and was not prepared to make a hole in it to find the 'owner'

Diamond back rattlesnake

Not one of my pictures but one taken in the Wasatch mountains in Utah by my uncle who lives over there. He enjoys long walks and came across this chap asleep by the drain which is a possible source of food.

Field grasshopper

Two views of field grasshoppers, very small hoppers that Les and I found on Dunwich heath

Tour of Britain cycle race visiting Westleton

Les & I were on our way to Minsmere, we reached Westleton and saw the crowds assembling and decided to wait and see the 'Tour' as it came through. I was lucky enough to get this picture of Bradley Wiggins with his trademark yellow rimmed sunglasses and Mark Cavendish in the World champions jersey. Having watched the Tour de France and the Olympics it was nice to see them in the flesh as they cycled past at an impressive rate.

Water rail

There were lots of rails showing on our visits to Minsmere, and they were fairly vocal too. I had seen about six but too distant or too misty to get a picture until I came across this one next to the path to the beach on my way back for breakfast. I was able to approach to within 25 feet before it seemed to notice me, most unusual for these skulkers. Luckily I had just dried my lens which had become misted up when I came out of the cool hide into the sunshine.

Grey heron

I went to the Minsmere Beach hide each morning before breakfast and the numbers of grey herons were impressive, the fishing was obviously good. Initially they were wreathed in mist but as the sun burnt it off there were some nice reflections.

Spotted redshanks

Feeding in the early morning mist at Minsmere from the beach hide. They were very wary but the camera did not disturb them in any way.

Pectoral sandpiper

A couple of record shots of what was a new bird for me, we had gone to Minsmere on a last minute whim. We also discovered a new B&B in Yoxford that was very good called 'Milestone house'