Jackdaws

These jackdaws appear to be having a disagreement over a revolting snack. Yes, that is dog shit the one on the left has been poking in and has on its beak - I expect that the dog excrement has insects in it that the birds were after but I didn't fancy a closer look.

The Duver, an area of sand dunes on the north east coast of the IoW, is a good birding spot; unfortunately it's also highly popular with dog walkers too. I love dogs but not the owners who let them run riot and chase birds - not to mention crap everywhere and not pick it up (and don't get me started on the ones who do pick it up and then hang the bag in a tree or chuck it on the ground).

It was a seemingly pleasant day - a rare day when it hasn't been pouring with rain - but, when I got out of the car, it was blowing a gale, which it hadn't been doing a few miles away at home. That made holding an 800mm lens nearly impossible, even with stabilisation

White-tailed Eagle (Sea Eagle)

A few years ago White-tailed Eagles (aka 'Sea Eagles') were reintroduced to the Isle of Wight when a number of juveniles were released. The island was the last place in England they bred until exterminated just over two centuries ago. The island's coastline with harbours and estuaries and remaining largely unspoiled made it a good place for reintroducing these fabulous birds to England. It's hoped that the eagles will spread out and recolonise the south coast (see Roy Dennis Foundation for more).

A couple of them were unfortunately found dead, possible victims of bird flu or something more nefarious, but the others seem to be doing well and hopefully this will continue. On a happier note, one pair has bred at a secret location in the south and that chick has grown up and is flying around.

These photos were taken with an 800mm lens, heavily cropped but otherwise left unedited. This has its white tail which gives the bird its common name. We on the island are proud of 'our' eagles and may the project be a success and may the eagles have long lives and many chicks.

Hooded Crow

 Drawings of a Hooded Crow that's been resident at Cowes since the autumn. 

The Hooded Crow used to be a frequent winter visitor to the south and east of England but, over the decades, grew more infrequent. It would be nice if their numbers grew again.