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Tuesday 6 February 2024

Welsh peregrines

Having made many trips to Wales over about 25 years I learned of many nest sites. This was my favourite hidden in the Elan valley. A river runs through a deep gulley in the side of a mountain and on one side was a nest. It was possible to get within 20m across the river, ideal for the camera. The birds soon got used to my presence and enabled me to get good pictures.
I spent many hours watching these birds dashing past.
They flew over my head and soon got used to me.
It all went well during the winter months and the birds got to ignore me.

 The nest was about 20m below this perched bird so you can see why I visited the spot many times.

More to follow.

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8 comments:

  1. waldlaeufer68 Frank Scholtyssek6 February 2024 at 05:47

    Hi Mike
    It's nice that you're opening your archive for us, you've taken some great photos in the last few years, question for you Mike; How many years have you been taking photographs?
    Greetings Frank

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood6 February 2024 at 23:52

      HI Frank , An Aunt of mine bought me a camera for my 12h birthday and I have been a photographer ever since (I am now 86) still going strong from my bedroom window>
      Mike.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous6 February 2024 at 10:09

    Great shots, Mike! You've got me thinking about planning a return trip to the Elan Valley. I have not been there for many years, but it is a wonderful area.

    Best wishes - - - Richard

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood7 February 2024 at 00:00

      Hi Richard, Its a few years since my last visit but I still get glowing reports. I wish I was young enough to do it again.
      Mike.

      Delete
  3. David M. Gascoigne,6 February 2024 at 11:25

    An encounter with a Peregrine is to experience the best there is of wild nature. Your pictures convey this well, Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mike Attwood7 February 2024 at 00:06

    Hello David, I have a couple of nest sites within 10 miles of my home so I think I will be spending more time with peregrines even if I am sitting in the car.
    Mike.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Breathtaking7 February 2024 at 13:25

    Hello Mike :=)
    It's good that you will be able to view the Peregrine Falcon and take photos of this beautiful bird from your car. Your previous captures of the Welsh Peregrine are testament to your photography expertise. Those in flight shots are fabulous.
    Take care
    Sonjia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike Attwood9 February 2024 at 22:47

      It needs a bit of luck and co-operation from the bird, but it is possible. Take care Sonjia.
      Mike.

      Delete

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Mike Attwood - Photographer

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About Me

My photo
Evacuated during the second world war to a village in Yorkshire where I lived in the home of a good photographer for more than five years who taught me the basics and a great deal about nature. Well past retirement age I have been a wildlife photographer for more than 30 years. Red Kites have been my speciality for much of this period. I did spend several years snapping wheelchair athletes and organizing the British Road Race Championship. In the year 2000 I was awarded a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society for my portfolio on wheelchair athletes. Most of my pics are digital, using Sony cameras and Sigma lenses. I used to spend many weeks each year with friends in Wales which is close to the Elan Valleys where I got many of my raptor pics. I now get these pictures more closely to home, specially red kites and peregrines. I support my pension by selling my pics, cards, coasters, fridge magnets and key rings etc. at craft fairs, something I wish I had done much earlier in life. I give illustrated talks to clubs and societies on wildlife and other branches of photography that I have been involved in.