Early summer delights..

We are approaching midsummer's day here in West Cork, a period of rejuvenation for most animals. Fox cubs can be spotted exploring the freshly silaged fields alongside their mothers. Vibrant flowers are blooming, and birds are busy fledging in every direction. I have been fortunate to observe numerous juvenile birds, specifically robins, stonechats, blue tits, and wrens. Despite the season being well advanced, I recently had the pleasure of hearing my first Cuckoo of the year, adding to the magic of this time.

Only a few weeks ago, the coast around West Cork was teeming with feeding basking sharks. However, it appears that they have since moved away. Despite their absence, there is still a plethora of marine life to observe in the area, such as graceful fulmars gliding overhead and majestic Northern Gannets plunging into the water with remarkable precision.

I have recently observed an increase in the number of Irish Hares in the area, potentially attributed to the extensive cutting of grass fields. While there have been no sightings of leverets, I came across a video this week capturing a hare swimming across the nearby river, a novel experience for me. In the woodland just a stone's throw away from my home, we have Sika Deer. The regular visits from foxes to my garden, albeit at later hours, have presented opportunities for me to experiment with ISO and shutter speed adjustments in low-light conditions. By reducing the shutter speed and decreasing the ISO, I have noticed a reduction in noise in my images, as long as the subject remains still for an adequate duration. Surprisingly, I have even managed with a shutter speed of 1/50 sec when the wind subsides.

Having struggled considerably to capture images of flying hirundines and swifts, I decided to shift my focus to the more leisurely small birds, resulting in capturing some satisfying shots. A highlight for me was successfully photographing a juvenile stonechat mid-flight. Recently, I delved into the precapture mode for the first time, recognizing its potential after some experimentation. Although there were still some missed shots, this feature appears promising, particularly in scenarios where birds are in the process of taking off.

I may have well seen my first pied flycatcher ever, but have only sighted it once. Unfortunately, I was unable to photograph it or even see it clearly enough to confirm the sighting. I am eager to return and search for it as soon as I get the chance.

This week has been filled with capturing images of various wildlife species, including foxes, Sika deer, reed buntings, juvenile stonechats, spotted flycatchers, meadow pipits, dragonflies, and skylarks. The weather has been bright and harsh, prompting me to venture out late in the evening or seek shade during the day to pursue my photography. I am focusing more on incorporating the background and landscape into my bird shots, taking advantage of the colorful backgrounds provided by flowering meadows and the stunning blooming heather backdrops that define this time of year.

This week, amidst a hectic schedule, my wish is to allocate ample time by the river. I am optimistic that the kingfishers and Irish dippers have either fledged or commenced the fledge process. With some luck, the sighting of otter cubs might be on the horizon, and capturing the Pied flycatcher on camera, which I believe I spotted last week, would be truly rewarding. Any additional encounters with wildlife would be a delightful surprise.

A juvenile Stonechat (saxicola rubicola) gracefully soaring through the air, displaying its exquisite plumage as it navigates its surroundings with nimble precision.