Sample menu:

UK Rarities

Whilst I try not to let it get a grip of me, I'm always up for a twitch or two, or three especially for a bird within range or whilst 'out and about in the UK! A record shot will do but occasionally, good birds will pose very nicely thank you!

Little Swift

What an amazing encounter with this rare vagrant - New Brighton, June 2012. It was at it's showiest the first day, zipping across the beach and promenade but quite a handful to photograph!!

Little Swift upperwing side on New Brighton 22 6 12 IMG_2681




Green Heron

A rumble in the jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan created plenty of opportunities to capture this fantastic showy bird! A bit of a drive but at least I exorcised the demons of missing the 2008 Kent bird!

Green Heron




Red-flanked Bluetail

What a double! This beauty and the following bird were both seen in the space of ten minutes at Burnham Overy in Octoiber 2010. Briefly giving very fantastic views, I was lucky to be first on the scene!

Red-flanked Bluetail




Pallas's Warbler

A lifer and possibly one of the most attractive Warblers going! Whilst 'showing well' at Burnham Overy, it proved very difficult to pin down for a photograph. At least an hour of trying culminated in this single sharp portrait.

Pallas's Warbler




Oriental Pratincole

What a bird! This Frampton special in May 2010 was initially 'ticked' 400m away! It eventually started hawking for insects right be the East Hide and I joined a very happy gallery for some serious close up rarity action!

Oriental Pratincole




Semipalmated Sandpiper

It took me a couple of sessions to get on to this Dawlish Warren bird in September 2008. Well worth the wait though with the bird showing extremely well. In this image, conveniently showing off the semipalmation!

Semipalmated Sandpiper




Baird's Sandpiper

A lifer in 2009, this was my second encounter with Baird's Sand during the year! Marazion beach was the location in September where it was in company with Little Stints and Dunlin. As the tide came in, I sat down and waited quietly.... All good things come to those who wait (patiently)!

Baird's Sandpiper