Though their numbers are in worrying decline, curlews are often seen in summertime on the moors west of Sheffield. Their plaintive calls are as distinctive as their elegantly curved bills - designed for investigating mud flats or prising worms from the earth.
Yesterday, I took a short walk from Redmires to the small reservoir at Oaking Clough. I heard and then spotted a curlew in the scrubland above Rivelin Brook. My camera possesses a good zoom facility so I was able to achieve these shots quite easily. As you can see, it was not a bright, sunny day but even so I am pretty happy with these two images.
You did very well with these pictures (as usual). The curlew is so essential "Yorkshire" for me, although I don't think I have ever seen it during a walk.
ReplyDeleteWhen O.K. and I were out walking on Sunday, at one point we spotted six or seven storks circling above a field. It was a majestic sight, but a photo would not have shown what we saw, and so we just watched and enjoyed.
When I was in my early twenties, I deliberately shunned cameras - believing that they would detract from my ability to immerse myself in the moment. Cameras can't capture everything. How wonderful to see those circling storks!
DeleteI think cloudy days make for better photos, less glare and no shadows. The birds are lovely.
ReplyDeleteVivid contrasts can indeed be a problem and some pictures do lend themselves well to more muted illumination.
DeleteSo much of our birds and wildlife population are in decline due to climate change and humans exploitation of their environment. Stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteDo you see any unusual birds in West Cork Dave?
DeleteI saw a Corncrake with her young the other year coming out of one of the fields.
DeleteMagical.
DeleteIt was. Old fashioned hay meadows are the key to their survival.
DeleteGreat photos. P will be envious. Although we do have curlews nesting nearby, he has never been able to get close enough to see them in such detail.
ReplyDeletePerhaps he should change his after-shave. I find that Old Spice works well when bird watching.
DeleteOld Spice! That takes me back. My Dad used that and now it always makes me think of him. Thanks YP.
DeleteYes. Old Spice remains an aroma for sophisticated gentlemen - like me and Northsider. Old Spice does not refer to Geri Halliwell! Get your hubby some!
DeleteTwenty years ago as Mrs. RWP and I were exiting a restaurant in Woodstock, Georgia, we heard a strange sound coming from high above us. We looked up and first saw nothing but on closer inspection we saw, very high and very faintly, a large migration of sandhill cranes. I still remember the sight and the sound.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that that memory has stuck with you while so many others have faded away.
DeleteThe sandhill cranes migratory route is over our neighborhood and we see them every spring. The sound they make is amazing. It always makes me feel good.
DeleteI have never heard it or seen one. I will google it.
DeleteYour pictures are amazing. Just one of the many advantages of your walks.
ReplyDeleteWhen I set off I never imagined I would take pictures of a curlew.
DeleteWhat lovely pictures. You know shots of birds are my favorite! :) One day I'm going to get myself a decent camera with a good zoom function so that I can get the kind of pictures I lust after!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of birds, last night when we were out walking the dogs we saw two huge owls flying silently over our neighbor's house (they have a big street light in front) headed back into the woods around the creek. What amazing creatures they are!
With the creek nearby, it sounds as though you have moved into a nature reserve Jennifer!
DeleteThe way different birds have evolved is truly amazing, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots.
You are right there. Each species is different from the next. Shame about the dodo though. I would have loved to see one.
DeleteIt's also clever the way they make that curlew sound without moving their lips.
ReplyDeleteI bet you can do an excellent impression of a curlew Tasker - almost as convincing as your rook impression which won you so many friends at parties in the 1970's.
DeleteOh yes! It must have been legendary for you to have heard about it. But I could only move forwards, backwards and sideways in a straight line.
DeleteHa-ha! It took a while for the penny to drop on that one.
DeleteLucky you, aren't they an elegant bird. The video has not got that burbling sound they make when in flight but the sound of a curlew I think is my most favourite bird song.
ReplyDeleteThe ground call seems somehow different from the aerial call.
DeleteGreat pictures and I greatly enjoyed the video, especially the bathing and drying part at the end.
ReplyDeleteI love birds... even pigeons and vultures.
Deletewesome photos. There are many very good apps for birdong. It saves carrying a bird book when you're in the field.
ReplyDeleteLovely birds and beautiful shots. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, YP. We have plenty of curlews nearby but I haven't been out enough to see many this year. However, after an apparent absence for a couple of years our corncrakes are back. One of the most futile exercises is to set out, with or without help, to find a corncrake. I have only ever seen one by sheer chance. I firmly believe that they are ventriloquists.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDelete