Where oh where has all the wildlife gone!

[Dr_Jimmy]

Recently I have been out and about and cannot see any wildlife, this time last year there was planty to see.

Has the constant downfalls of rain caused the local wildlife any issues, I personally beleive so.

So how can one go out and photograph nature when it's constantly raining, your equipment is now fully waterlogged, you yourself are soaked to the bone, and still there is no nature available for your to photograph, I have seen drowned birds etc as the water table has slowly risen the past few weeks to record levels.

Any hints and tips available as someone somewhere must be getting some decent images!

[targetman]

hi jimmy
now`s the time to look back at past photo`s and access your work im sure you will find plenty of good times to cheer you up.

[Ollie]

Hello Jimmy, I'm sure you are right about some of the wildlife suffering in this rainy weather. No doubt some ground nesting birds have suffered losses in the flooding, Lapwings, Skylarks etc. Most wildlife is very resilient though and it is still out there although we may have to look a little harder to find it and take our opportunities between showers etc.

I personally have been finding plenty of Dragonflies and Damselflies and other insects to photograph. You just have to be prepared to make a dash for the nearest shelter if it rains. As far as getting my equipment wet I carry a plastic bin liner in my pocket to slip over the camera and lens in the event of it raining. This is a cheap and quick solution as you can just take it off after the rain give it a quick shake and back in the pocket again ready for the next shower.

Cheers
Roger

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by Ollie

I carry a plastic bin liner in my pocket to slip over the camera and lens in the event of it raining. This is a cheap and quick solution as you can just take it off after the rain give it a quick shake and back in the pocket again ready for the next shower.

I started using one too, after you gave me the tip Roger. It works just dandy.

[GME]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Hello Jimmy, I'm sure you are right about some of the wildlife suffering in this rainy weather. No doubt some ground nesting birds have suffered losses in the flooding, Lapwings, Skylarks etc. Most wildlife is very resilient though and it is still out there although we may have to look a little harder to find it and take our opportunities between showers etc.

I went up to Leighton Moss RSPB at the weekend and managed to see a Bittern in flight as well as the Marsh Harriers, all from the comfort of one of the hides whilst it lashed it down outside!! There certainly wasn't much else out in the rain apart from a few Greylags, a Ruddy Duck and the usual Coots. Once the rain had eased the weather actually perked up and a number of people were getting some excellent shots. If I'd have actually bought my new camera yet I would have also been able to get some!! Still, I enjoyed the sightings through my binocs

I was really pleased to see the Bittern as I had just read as you mentioned that a number in other areas had had nests damaged or washed away with the floods and rains However, as also mentioned, the rain brings out other aspects to nature that could be good to take shots of. My suggestion would be get to a good location, get under cover and get snapping!! (The binbag also sounds a good idea) Don't be too disheartened

[matt_xyz]

I have also been getting cabin fever lately and haven't been getting out and about with my camera, mainly due to the weather. I finally managed a couple of hours yesterday morning at a local nature reserve and was pleased to find Emerald damselflies amongst other damsels. No dragonflies though, I think it was too overcast. Also saw a few Ringlet and Meadow Brown butterflies.

After a couple of hours the heavens opened and I quickly threw a large plastic bag over my gear and headed for the car! The weather has got to improve soon...hasn't it?

Matt

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Ollie

Hello Jimmy, I'm sure you are right about some of the wildlife suffering in this rainy weather. No doubt some ground nesting birds have suffered losses in the flooding, Lapwings, Skylarks etc. Most wildlife is very resilient though and it is still out there although we may have to look a little harder to find it and take our opportunities between showers etc.

I personally have been finding plenty of Dragonflies and Damselflies and other insects to photograph. You just have to be prepared to make a dash for the nearest shelter if it rains. As far as getting my equipment wet I carry a plastic bin liner in my pocket to slip over the camera and lens in the event of it raining. This is a cheap and quick solution as you can just take it off after the rain give it a quick shake and back in the pocket again ready for the next shower.

Cheers
Roger

I'm posher (or more likely more gullible!) than Roger. I bought a camera cover, which to all intents and purposes is an expensive plastic bag!

[GME]

Well, this weekend we visited Meresands (near Martin Mere WWT). The weather was rubbish still and we weren't too hopeful of seeing much, but it was better than sitting around the house!! Had to share:

Absolutely brilliant!! I loved this place. The people were very friendly and the woman at the Visitor centre even lent my little brother-in-law a better pair of binocs so he could see...

...His 1st family of Kingfishers (mine too - they were AMAZING!!!), his 1st Woodpecker, a Marsh Harrier, Reed Warblers (I think?), Reed Buntings, Great Crested Grebes, sandpipers and 2 juvenile Tawny Owls to name just some of the selection!!

Unfortunately, the weather (more heavy rain) did mean we didn't see much in the way of Butterflies or Moths but it was nice to see the Damselflies come out and skim the lakes as the rain eased.

My 'birding' has been pretty good over the last few weeks considering

Loads of people in the hides and woods were getting some really nice shots (they kept showing me - I hadn't taken a camera) so it can be done!!

...Keep persevering