Somerset Wildlife Hides

Julia and I visited the Raptor Hide operated by Somerset Wildlife Hides today. Although the weather was rather dull with occasional to frequent showers, we had a fantastic day photographing the resident pair of Kestrels. These birds breed close to the hide and take advantage of the food put out for them to supplement their diets.

We arrived just before 8am and met Peter who showed us to the hide and the set-up, plus instructions on how to set the food (frozen mice and day-old chicks) for the birds. Within an hour of settling down in the hide, the Kestrels arrived, and we were soon getting our first images of these magnificent falcons. For the next four and half hours we were occupied by the birds, with occasional breaks whilst the birds digested their food. During these times we still had plenty to watch and photograph. Blue, Great, and Long-tailed Tits visited feeders, along with Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. At least two (a male and female) Great-spotted Woodpeckers put in appearances and a male Green Woodpecker fed on the ground.

The small birds also attracted the attention of a male Sparrowhawk who visited on two occasions and flew off still hungry; both times evading the camera.

Male Kestrel

Female Kestrel

Male and Female Kestrels

Male Green Woodpecker

Female Great-spotted Woodpecker

Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch