New cards delivered

 

They`ve arrived, and on the back we have the correct current details.

Very pleased with the final version.

those new cards

 

They should be with me today ......

I`m talking about the new cards i`ve designed to move forward from my previous `russartworx` business cards, which encompassed my work both as a photographer and as an artist. 

Previous cards had my past web address plus a domain-based mailbox for email on the reverse side, so a revamp with up to date information was required. The information this time includes this blog address, social media I use (facebook and twitter / X), a gmail address, contact number, plus an up to date QR code with the main contact details.

The big question for me was ..... what should I use for a front image? 

With literally thousands of images to choose from, I opted to use one particular Kingfisher image from last year. The image is simple, balancing detail with soft depth of field, with colours that punch through. I could have chosen a dramatic shot of one with a fish, or some other completely different subject matter, but I like the balance of this image which, to me, is artistically dynamic.

Because I am no longer officially self employed as a photographer and artist, I needed to simply show that I could be contacted for photography on a casual basis, rather than under my past `russartworx` business. 

So, awaiting delivery today! 

all in a week

 Last Saturday it was good to be with the hardy guests who came on the High Tide watch at WWT Llanelli just as the weather really closed in. Strong winds, eventual sweeping rain and failing light were all a challenge, but the `buffet in the hide` raised the spirits! 

Thank you to all who turned up and appreciated the event, despite the challenging conditions.

Then up the M5:

On Tuesday we headed to Kidderminster, Worcs where a special event was to take place at the 45 Live club, the shooting of the video to accompany the forthcoming single by The Don Powell Band. We then found out that the special guest was to be Bev Bevan, formerly of ELO.

I`ve never actually met Don before, for various reasons never making prior events, so this was going to be special.

A fantastic evening, meeting Don himself (complete with selfie, which I never normally do!), a meet and greet with the full band, watching and being part of the video shoot, and finishing off with a Q and A with them sat just a few feet away! 

To finish things off, Don offered me one of his hammered sticks, so a VERY happy Russ by the end of the night. 

A third brood

 

 

Well this is a first (we think) for WWT Llanelli - actual evidence of a third Kingfisher brood on the Reserve.

This very young male Kingfisher was showing typical behaviour of having recently fledged, alongside the giveaway features of a young juvenile - very dark breast plumage, dark sooty feet and the white tip to the bill.

The first brood fledged on 20th May (at least one male and one female), the second brood during the last week in July. Three young males fledged.

Unfortunately there was some regular disturbance around their breeding area, including an area `roped off` to the public (for a reason!), so at time of writing we`re not 100% sure where they nested for their 3rd brood. 

This young male Kingfisher may or may not have brothers or sisters, time will tell, but faces a tough time head. Storm Agnes is due to hit Wales and other parts of the UK today and into tomorrow, so hoping it will find shelter but also be able to learn to fish quickly. Hopefully there might be more young from this third brood, but they`ll all need to sort themselves out as we head into autumal weather. The mortality rate for Kingfishers over the first couple of years can be high.

The data collected this year and last year in particular has been helpful in getting a better insight into their breeding patterns, territorial behaviour, etc.

Other Kingfisher seen on the salt marsh from the Michael Powell and British Steel hides breed or have fledged from a separate secluded area. These birds are more likely to be seen during the winter months than those from the Reserve (Millenium Wetlands).

We wish our latest young a lot of luck 👍

(The location of this photo will remain undisclosed)

Back at Ginst

 

With the Falconry photography cancelled this week due to the weather, and other days trying to do some dreaded gloss-painting at home, it was good to get back to Ginst to check out the area again in preparation for winter.

It was a quiet day bird wise, but a good opportunity to suss out some new areas to watch, where some particular natural shelter might be for different wind directions. Might sound a little geeky, but i`ve often found that if there`s a chance to plan it ends up worthwhile further down the line.

As we`re now well into the autumnal changes, it`s a time that `anything can happen`, and coastal marshes and rough land well worth checking out regularly.

I`ll be trying to watch my local estuary and marsh more often if I can, loose horses and dogs permitting. 😟 

It won`t be long now before the geese and waders build up, winter wildfowl like Wigeon arrive en-masse, and winter raptors come down from the hills. Normally, once there have been the first frosts you may start seeing Hen Harrier or Merlin on the coastal marshes. All you really need are decent days weatherwise, with a good bit of light and a smidging of luck to be on your side.

 

Falconry

 

I`ll be back working with Carmarthenshire Falconry next week, photographing a customer experience day while their client enjoys handling and flying the birds.

The falconry session has been arranged to take place in a Carmarthenshire country park, and photographing the session gives the client those visual memories to keep. I normally prepare, edit and send a selections of images to the client via dropbox within 24 hours.

To arrange a private falconry session, and to arrange for me to cover some photography, contact Carmarthenshire Falconry via their website or facebook page.

Walk and Tide Watch

 

Looking forward to taking part in two upcoming events at WWT Llanelli. 

The first is the next Walk with the Warden next Saturday, 16th September . This will be approximately from 11.30am to 1pm.

At the end of September is the annual evening high tide watch, a bookable event, so get in touch with the Centre soo to book your place.