Mixed bag of Buzzards, Jays, Red Squirrels and Little grebe

Saturday morning I found myself walking up and down a local river looking for signs of a kingfisher.  Although I was scanning the area I knew I would prob hear them first but the call I next heard was not a kingfisher.  I heard a loud screeching noise which straight away I knew was a buzzard.  I couldn't see the buzzard but I knew he was close, as I approached the tree line he flew straight over me and started to circle.  The sky was a nice clear blue for a change so I took the opportunity to get a few pics.  At times he was so close they were full frame shots with a 400mm. 

Not long after Ken rang to say he was at Cromford with the little grebes so I walked back to the car and headed towards Derby.  40 mins later I was sitting in the sun on the canal side watching the little grebes and there young.  We were prob 1 week to late to see the young on the parents backs but it was a nice day for getting a few pics.

Sunday morning was a very early start as we had decided it was time to visit the red squirrels again.  4.15 am wake up call and soon after Ken arrived we were heading north up the M6.

The sun was out and clear sky's but the camouflage of the trees made it very dark so we tried to choose a few positions where the sun was just breaking through.  It wasn't long before the first squirrel showed and then quickly followed by others.  Although the light was against us it did make it very challenging.

 As things went a little quiet we noticed a Jay was hanging around.  A few nuts scattered around and it didn't take long for him to come down to them.  I moved positions closer to the stream by side some rocks hoping to get a little cover and closer to him.  Again he came down and this time he was too close for me at times. 

Anyway it was worth the pain of getting bitten by all the midges.