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Friday, 22 January 2010

A Bittern day at Marazion

Two Bitterns showed today at Marazion Marsh, both around midday.  I was only expecting flight shots as these birds seem to take short sorties from one area to another.  The lower bird surprised me though as it appeared out of the reeds directly in front of the roadside viewing platform, and stayed there for about a minute in full view.

Text edited and updated 31st Jan:  This winter has been one of the best for Bitterns in Cornwall.  The full numbers present will become evident but at Marazion Marsh, up to five have been present (31st Jan), at Loe Pool, a minimum of two, probably four, one at Rospannel, one at Stithians, one at Par Beach pool, one at Porth Reservoir (31st Jan) and one at Swanpool are the records that I'm aware of.  Undoubtedly more are lurking undetected.

The images were taken with the 300mm F/2.8 lens and new TC3 aspherical 2x teleconverter, which seems to work well with this lens, but struggled to find focus with the 600mm!

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12 comments:

  1. Anonymous22 January 2010 at 18:58

    Great shots of the Bittern Steve, It was good to see you at this afternoon thank you for the shout otherwise I would have missed that shot of the Bittern.
    All the Best Keith

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  2. Simon Taylor22 January 2010 at 19:42

    Evening Steve - Dont forget the one day wonder at Par beach Pool and i wouldnt be surprised if the Swanpool bird and the Stiths bird are the same one.

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  3. Rachel22 January 2010 at 19:59

    cracking set of images, good to see you today

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  4. Scillybirds22 January 2010 at 20:17

    I love the pictures especially the fourth one of the camouflaged bittern.
    PS. My nikon scope is serving me well. Many Thanks for all your help.

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  5. Unknown22 January 2010 at 20:35

    Brilliant shots Steve. Right place at the right time.

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  6. Anonymous22 January 2010 at 21:29

    I came across your web page by accident, but very impressed,your Bittens in flight are fantastic as with all other photo's. It's going to take me days, week's to look at them all.

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  7. Angie Moore22 January 2010 at 21:37

    Great shots Steve - love the first in flight shot.

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  8. JRandSue22 January 2010 at 21:38

    Outstanding Photography,love the flight images.
    Well done Steve.
    John.

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  9. Bobbster22 January 2010 at 23:03

    Nice shots Steve

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  10. eamonnphotography23 January 2010 at 11:01

    Nice shots Steve, wish I could get out

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  11. Sam and Lisa23 January 2010 at 17:36

    I thought I had seen the best, now I have. Stunning shots. Would you mail me the details and cost of the 2x converter. Sam

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  12. swopticsphoto23 January 2010 at 19:30

    Thanks for the comments. Very much appreciated.

    ReplyDelete