Chiffchaffs by the Bulbourne

Hemel (BMT): A couple of Chiffchaffs by the water's edge of the River Bulbroune, visible from the Two Waters Road bridge, looking west.

The Humble Mallard

Hemel: It may only be a Mallard, and an aberrant one at that, but it really is a very pretty individual. You'll find her on the River Gade, at the Water Gardens in Hemel Hempstead town centre.

Bright Eyes

Deeping St James: A record shot of the Long-eared Owl on the island at Deeping Lakes SSSI in Lincolnshire. Approx 130 metres distance: digiscoped using my friend's Leica scope.

This most beautiful of birds, with blazing bright orange eyes, sat in this obscured position the whole time I was there. However, it did open those eyes; preen a little (mostly its tummy feathers), and, it showed off those gorgeous "ear" feather tufts. I could have watched it for hours.