Northern Hawk-Owl

Time for another post and this time the rarely seen Northern Hawk-Owl. It has only been seen four times in the last 100 years in the Netherlands. That was untill last weekend, when it was spotted in the town of Zwolle.
Birdwatchers and nature photographers came from all corners of the land for a glimps of this beautiful bird.
I was fortunate enough to photograph it on Thursday 28th Nov nicely exposed on a branch and also as the cherry on the cake, with a freshly captured mouse. Who knows when we'll see one again!

Bath time....

The last few weeks plenty of visitors cooling off in the pool.

Blackbird

Blackbird

Looking good!

Bluetit

Wren

thirsty Wren

and a thirsty female Blackcap

Woodland photography hide

A couple of weeks ago I had the chance to test a new woodland photography hide not far fom here. It's built a couple of meters into the ground,  with a pool in front, which enables  photography of the wildlife from eye level, such as birds drinking and splashing about bathing.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Blackcap (fem) 

 Nuthatch

 Marsh Tit

 Wren

 Short-toed Treecreeper

Red Sqirrel

Birds visiting the allotment

I've had quite a few exceptional visitors to the allotment the last few months, including a Great Spotted Woodpecker family. Great to be able to see them in your own "garden" !
Here's a few shots made during the late spring and summer months.
I hope the autumn will be as fruitful.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Junior on the right! Somewhat larger than the parent.

     Great Spotted Woodpecker
         taste this, maybe you'll like it" .......

Great Spotted Woodpecker
After a few months junior is looking quite handsome!

Collared Doves

These two lovebirds are also regular visitors.

Magpie

Nuthatch

Bluetit

Juvenile Robin

Hedge Accentor