Sparrow-hawks mating !!

April 14, 2012 by admin | 1 Comment

Everyday I am getting a step closer: today I spent several hours again at the Owl’s spot (which were present as seems to be ‘normal’ nowadays). Again the Sparrow-hawks were around, and this time I could make some good shots of both the male and the female. Also for the first time we witnessed them first eating and then mating, which was great so see. The shots are not that good, due to high ISO and a tree in the background

… But: having seen this action… A great day !

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Hans Overduin, Sparrowhawk, Sperwer |

Siberian Chiffchaff and some more

April 13, 2012 by admin | Leave a comment

It has been a while since I was able to add a new species to my list. This morning I received a text message from a friend (Brigitte: bedankt!) that a Siberian Chiffchaff (Siberische Tjiftjaf) had been spotted in Leiden. So I jumped in the car. Some people were already around, and after 10 minutes we found the bird again and I was even able to make some shots of this little fellow. Quite restless it never sat for more than a second. Nevertheless it was great seeing and hearing it ! Sometimes one has to be a little lucky in these things….

Later today I went back to the owl spot, hoping to see the Sparrow-hawks again. After a while I found both the male and female again, and though the female was waiting for an act of mating, the male (at some 20 meters distance) didn’t respond to her call. I left me with some shots, but not the so-much-hoped-for action shot…

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blackcap, Hans Overduin, Siberian Chiffchaff, Siberische Tjiftjaf, Sparrowhawk, Sperwer, Zwartkop |

The Owl and the Squirrel

April 12, 2012 by admin | 1 Comment

This morning I went out with two other birders in search of the little Tawny Owls again (Bosuil). The first hours we couldn’t find them, however we could witness some Sparrow-hawks (Sperwer). While looking for the owls, we were able to make some shots of those as well as of other birds, like Nuthatches (Boomklever). After a while I had to go home to finish some work – without having seen the owls. I was just sitting behind my desk when Wim (thanks!) (check: www.kiekjesdief.nl) send me a text message: “Hebbes” (“Got ‘m”). So I jumped back on my bike and was able to make some shots of one little owl that was sitting in the sun. Also the male Sparrow-hawk turned up again. Then all of a sudden a curious squirrel turned up and after some exciting moments around the owl, it left – leaving me with a few shots of this encounter – not the best , but a nice reminder at least

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Boomklever, Bosuil, Hans Overduin, Nuthatch, Sparrowhawk, Sperwer, Squirrel, Tawny Owl |

Little secrets

April 11, 2012 by admin | Leave a comment

Close to my house (some 4 minutes by bicycle) there are newborn Tawny Owls (Bosuil). Allegedly there’s three of them, however so far I managed only to find two. They look weird and fluffy as they should at this age. Yesterday lighting conditions were bad. Today the sun shines, but I couldn’t find them this morning

. So just for the record, some shots from yesterday, as well as some of another little secret, the Winter Wren (Winterkoning),

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Bosuil, Hans Overduin, Tawny Owl, Winter Wren, Winterkoning |

First Sedge Warbler

April 6, 2012 by admin | 1 Comment

This morning I had an early rise and was in the reeds before the sun came out. Looking (surprise, surprise

) for Bluethroats again. Suddenly I heard a familiar sound: Sedge Warbler (Rietzanger). Always nice to know they’re back again. There will be may more of the next days and weeks, but for the moment one is already very nice ! Also found a female Bluethroat again….

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blauwborst, Bluethroat, Hans Overduin, Rietzanger, Sedge Warbler |

Bluethroats again

April 3, 2012 by admin | 1 Comment

This morning I spent some time again in an area called “Vockestaert”, not too far from Rotterdam. I found plenty of singing Bluethroats, and some showed themselves as well. Also managed some shots of the female and of the tail-display

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blauwborst, Bluethroat, Hans Overduin |

Getting closer

April 2, 2012 by admin | Leave a comment

The last couple of days haven’t been much in terms of birding or bird-photography. During a late afternoon walk close to our home we found this Buzzard (Buizerd) however. While I ran back home to get the camera, my wife kept an eye on the bird. Unfortunately there’s some branches in front of the bird – but in a week from now there will be much more leaves, so better not complain

This morning I went in search for Bluethroats again, but again the results were not as I had hoped for: they still hide themselves very much in the reeds and hardly come out to sing . But.. I’ll keep trying !

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blauwborst, blue, Buizerd, Common Buzzard, Haagsche Bos, Hans Overduin, Reed Bunting, rietgors |

Hunting the Bunting Part II & more

March 29, 2012 by admin | 1 Comment

I am still hopefull to get better Bluethroat shots this yeat, however sofar they have been not very willing to cooperate… So for the moment some Reed Bunting shots turned out to be okay, some Bluethroat shots okay as well – but too far away. At least for the first time I could frame a female Bluethroat! To be continued

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blauwborst, Blue Tit, Bluethroat, Hans Overduin, Pimpelmees, Reed Bunting, rietgors |

Hunting the Bunting

March 26, 2012 by admin | Leave a comment

This morning I went in search for the Pendulin Tits (Buidelmees) again, but they seem to have ‘left the building’. The Reed Buntings (Rietgors) however were numerous and having breakfast just when I arrived. Also a Bluethroat showed itself briefly. Since work was waiting for me I had to leave early, but it was a nice start of the day !

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blauwborst, Bluethroat, Hans Overduin, Reed Bunting, rietgors |

Bluethroat and more Part II

March 24, 2012 by admin | Leave a comment

This morning I went in search for Bluethroats (Blauwborst) at a place called Starrevaart, and found one ! Still not very well showing itself, but some shots were okay. Also many Reed Buntings (Rietgors) around. Driving back home I checked on yesterdays Eagle Owl (Oehoe) which was where I hoped it was. Unfortunately I had my 2x converter at home, so this is the best that came out

Posted in Birding in Holland Tagged Blauwborst, Bluethroat, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Hans Overduin, Oehoe, Reed Bunting, rietgors, Starrevaart |

Hans Overduin Photography