Working on the theory that everyone that wanted/needed to see the 1s Red footed Falcon at Tunstall, Staffs. had been already been, and the apparent shinanigans at the site would be history. I took myself off for what I later realised was a West Midlands 'tick'. My Sat. Nav. did its job I duly arrived on site to park 80 yards from the Falcon perched on a wire above the horse paddock. I joined about 40 other folk the majority of which had cameras, some telescopes and some just bins. There was plenty of room along the fence and everyone was getting excellent views. It soon become apparent that the Falcon was attracted to its lookout by locusts which could be seen hopping in the grass a few metres from the fence and the expectant onlookers. It wasnt too long before the Red foot dropped down to take a locust giving even better opportunities to view or photograph the bird. It was an opportunity too good to miss so I took a few shots as well. In a way it was satisfying being so close to the bird but there was also something unnatural and slightly unreal about the bird being lured down for the convenience of the masses a bit like feeding time at the zoo.
There was also a Black Redstart just inside the Colliery gates which also 'showed well'.
1s male Red footed Falcon, Tunstall, Staffs.
Red footed Falcon
Red footed Falcon
Black Redstart
Black Redstart
Red footed Falcon
Red footed Falcon
Nice images Bob, smart bird!!
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