Ambitions

[alanjns]

I'm wondering what your birding ambitions are, and how they are changing/developing as your birding progresses.

I've been birding about 18 months now and very quickly adopted Great Crested Grebe as my favourite duck. My ambition was to photograph one catching a fish. Luckily, I've done this a few times over, now I want to see a Grey Heron catch a fish. I've got so many other goals too, what are yours?

[basemonst]

I'm very new to this, but its through cycling along river next to where I live that Ive noticed such an array of bird life (and wild life in general) that I'd like to investigate more. just to be able to recognise different types of bird would be a good start for me, lol. cant really say more than that at the moment...

[alanjns]

Another ambition was to see the mating dance of the Great Crested Grebe, and I was delighted to see this a few days ago at Mere Sands Wood, after looking in my local patch for the last 2-3 months.

[Bishopswood]

Would really like to get some decent views of Kingfishers and Green Woodpeckers. I only ever seem to get fleeting glances!

[andy_e]

Originally Posted by Bishopswood

Would really like to get some decent views of Kingfishers and Green Woodpeckers. I only ever seem to get fleeting glances!

I can sympathise with you there. I have been trying to get a decent photo of a kingfisher that is resident on the banks of the Caledonian Canal at Fort William for ages. But like yourself only manage fleeting glances. One day though, one day!!!!!!!

[Neil Rigby]

Originally Posted by Bishopswood

Would really like to get some decent views of Kingfishers and Green Woodpeckers. I only ever seem to get fleeting glances!

I found the best way to get close to Kingfishers is by Kayaking or Canoeing. Floating silently down the river when you spot one on an overhanging got me incredibly close.

[Neil Rigby]

Originally Posted by Bishopswood

Would really like to get some decent views of Kingfishers and Green Woodpeckers. I only ever seem to get fleeting glances!

We're lucky enough to have a mature oak tree next door and , as a consequence, have resident Green Woodpeckers.

Since Green Woodpeckers are not completely arboreal, we often spot them pecking around on the cut grass, in the wild area of our garden, but never too close to the house.

Regular noises we hear in our garden are the drumming of their beaks and their yaffling calls.

[bassist]

Every year or so when they are here,i just seem to run around like a headless chicken...never finding them...!My day will come.!peace..!

[daimorgan]

...just a headless chicken in the Preston area for me! lol

[paul.p911]

Originally Posted by Neil Rigby

I found the best way to get close to Kingfishers is by Kayaking or Canoeing. Floating silently down the river when you spot one on an overhanging got me incredibly close.

So let me get this right Neill to be a good allround birdwatcher you don't just need a scope ,a good pair if Bins you also need a canoe or a kayak. MMMMMMMMMM i don't know what the missus will say to that she will think im taking the urine,Just picturing me with my backpak my bins ect and a Kayak strapped to my back the birds will see me comming from a mile off.Ah well if you isist......lol