Thanks for the info - I go to the power station reserve occasionally - a couple of my friends are Deeside members. Whenever I have been I have never seen many other birders or that many (interesting) birds for that matter so it's not one of my favourite spots. I shall however look out for Mr Roberts (or anyone else) next time I'm there.
Hi Sid Ashton, This is just a short note in view of your encounter with Waxwings at Wepre Park. From 1973 to 1977, I lived in the last house on the left right next to the park as you go up the hill from the main road through the "Quay," ( I think it was no. 91, or if not no.93). I had 4 very happy years living there, and was very active in the Deesside naturalist's Society, and in the Dee Estuary Conservation Group. If you or any of the Manchester guys go into the power station reserve down on the estuary, please give my regards to my old pal Ray Roberts, who I think is still very much invoved in things there. I'm glad you connected with Waxwings there; - although I kept a list for the park, I never did! Cheers, and happy birding! Mike Passant
__________________
Challenges are inevitable, but failure is optional.
Thanks John, a number of the Welsh lads have similar comments - have a look on northwalesbirding.co.uk - new forum - Your Birding Day/Sightings - waxwings wepra park. There's even a pic of the "shooting gallery"
Visited Wepre Park, Connahs Quay today - 13 Waxwings (5 male, 8 female I think, hard to count) in a Rowan bush whenever the 6 or 7 "big lenses" would allow them to settle - motor drives must be quite alarming for these birds when they are only about 4m away!!! There was one particularly obnoxious "cameraman" who seemed to want to stir up his mates against anyone who suggested that they may be a little close. Why do they need such big lenses if they have to stand so close?
Still quite a pleasant place also had Brambling, Common Redpoll and Siskin.
Looked in at Shotwick Fields on the way back - 27 Whoopers no Bewicks and finally to Parkgate - two ringtail Hen Harriers, Kestrel, Merlin and Barn Owl.
-- Edited by sid ashton at 19:38, 2009-01-24
-- Edited by sid ashton at 21:40, 2009-01-24
hi sid even the biggest of lenses that these fellas have ,probably 500mm is only equivilent to a 10x pair of bins,Im definately not of the big lens brigade,but have encountered them many times.I think like a lot of birding it becomes an addiction,and you always want a closer shot.thats why i don't chase birds ,most of my shots on this site are birds ive come across,while moochin,see the hobby in the avatar,To be truthfull many of the big lens brigade wouldn't have a clue half the time what they are looking at,just go in sandgrounders hide at southport and listen ,it makes me cringe.As with anything there are always the few that give the real birder/wildlife photogaphers a bad name, Also a lot of the big lens brigade ,start with the top cameras,big lenses,costing £6000 or more,but a couple of years down the line they will be selling them on e-bay,to buy the best set of golf clubs etc,no ammount of equipment can make up for lack of knowledge,someone with a grounding of knowledge can anticipate a birds next move so get the best shots,others spend time changing lenses because they wonder why they can't get a good shot with all the equipment they have.Another thing from the opposite side of the fence is a lot of photographers are not birders and have no intentions of ever being so,and the same person with the big lens taking waxwing shots,2 hours later could be in the valleys of wales taking landscapes or chester zoo taking lions.a lot just look on birdlines see whats worth taking and fire off(just like twitchers).then the day after fire off to the lakes because its been snowing so they get good landscapes.have a look at shutternutters.com to see what i mean,great wildlife photographers ,the day after taking pictures of a brass band in wigan!!sorry to give such a long winded reply,but im useless sittin on the fence
Visited Wepre Park, Connahs Quay today - 13 Waxwings (5 male, 8 female I think, hard to count) in a Rowan bush whenever the 6 or 7 "big lenses" would allow them to settle - motor drives must be quite alarming for these birds when they are only about 4m away!!! There was one particularly obnoxious "cameraman" who seemed to want to stir up his mates against anyone who suggested that they may be a little close. Why do they need such big lenses if they have to stand so close?
Still quite a pleasant place also had Brambling, Common Redpoll and Siskin.
Looked in at Shotwick Fields on the way back - 27 Whoopers no Bewicks and finally to Parkgate - two ringtail Hen Harriers, Kestrel, Merlin and Barn Owl.
