Les Cater
@lesjwc.bsky.social
My passion for wildlife and photography has come together in a professional form after many years of using cameras and field craft skills. RSPB volunteer, and photo contributer. Web site mywildlifeimages.com
Look who popped into the garden again today, This lovely Sparrow Hawk, looking for a warm meal on a cold wet day in November. He looks ready to catch his next meal, those eyes are seeking out his likely prey. I think it was looking at me photographing it through my kitchen window 😆😉
November 23, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Look who popped into the garden again today, This lovely Sparrow Hawk, looking for a warm meal on a cold wet day in November. He looks ready to catch his next meal, those eyes are seeking out his likely prey. I think it was looking at me photographing it through my kitchen window 😆😉
After about a seven hour wait, finally we had a visit from a male and female Crossbill. By that time the puddle was in the strong late afternoon sunlight, and there were many shadows all over the car park and main road. This created a high saturated colours and shadowing outcome.
November 21, 2025 at 10:13 PM
After about a seven hour wait, finally we had a visit from a male and female Crossbill. By that time the puddle was in the strong late afternoon sunlight, and there were many shadows all over the car park and main road. This created a high saturated colours and shadowing outcome.
Reposted by Les Cater
This is your chance to make sure our future is wild 🐾
For the next 10 days, generous match funders are doubling any donations we receive.
Please help us reach our ambitious target of £100,000 and start creating a wilder tomorrow today👇
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/appeal
For the next 10 days, generous match funders are doubling any donations we receive.
Please help us reach our ambitious target of £100,000 and start creating a wilder tomorrow today👇
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/appeal
November 19, 2025 at 3:12 PM
This is your chance to make sure our future is wild 🐾
For the next 10 days, generous match funders are doubling any donations we receive.
Please help us reach our ambitious target of £100,000 and start creating a wilder tomorrow today👇
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/appeal
For the next 10 days, generous match funders are doubling any donations we receive.
Please help us reach our ambitious target of £100,000 and start creating a wilder tomorrow today👇
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/appeal
Reposted by Les Cater
COP30 debates protecting biodiversity today. Glyn Evans says even our gardens can make a difference ! Since urban gardens make up 30% of green space, individual efforts add up to big change. Read his ideas here
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
How to help nature thrive in your neighbourhood
As COP30 debates how to save the planet’s biodiversity, here are some ideas to try in your garden and community to help local wildlife
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
COP30 debates protecting biodiversity today. Glyn Evans says even our gardens can make a difference ! Since urban gardens make up 30% of green space, individual efforts add up to big change. Read his ideas here
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
A few of my favourites from this year. We are lucky to have such stunning birds either visiting or residents of Suffolk. There have been many more, and they are really wonderful to see. I share these images to show and tell a short story about the birds, suported with my photos.
November 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A few of my favourites from this year. We are lucky to have such stunning birds either visiting or residents of Suffolk. There have been many more, and they are really wonderful to see. I share these images to show and tell a short story about the birds, suported with my photos.
Spending lots of valuable time with one species, gives you a better understanding about their behaviour. Most of all, some wonderful moments witnessed/captured in the same puddle time after time. Sometimes there was no body there, and that peace and quiet is good for the soul especially these days 😊
November 15, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Spending lots of valuable time with one species, gives you a better understanding about their behaviour. Most of all, some wonderful moments witnessed/captured in the same puddle time after time. Sometimes there was no body there, and that peace and quiet is good for the soul especially these days 😊
Reposted by Les Cater
Back in 1997, there were just 11 booming male Bitterns left in the UK – almost extinct. Thanks to conservation by @rspb.bsky.social and @naturalengland.bsky.social 283 booming males were recorded in 2024.
Les Cater shares his story and stunning photos of these rare birds ⤵️
Les Cater shares his story and stunning photos of these rare birds ⤵️
Hidden wonders: my fascinating encounters with the Bittern
Elusive and majestic, the Bittern’s booming call echoes across Minsmere’s reeds – a symbol of hope and conservation success
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Back in 1997, there were just 11 booming male Bitterns left in the UK – almost extinct. Thanks to conservation by @rspb.bsky.social and @naturalengland.bsky.social 283 booming males were recorded in 2024.
Les Cater shares his story and stunning photos of these rare birds ⤵️
Les Cater shares his story and stunning photos of these rare birds ⤵️
I am having a break from Minsmere for a while, and not really wanting to see all the other rare birds that are about with crowds of photographers and birders. Instead I had a quiet day back out watching the Crossbills. This one took flight, leaving the puddle after a good drink😊
November 14, 2025 at 12:05 PM
I am having a break from Minsmere for a while, and not really wanting to see all the other rare birds that are about with crowds of photographers and birders. Instead I had a quiet day back out watching the Crossbills. This one took flight, leaving the puddle after a good drink😊
Hi everyone, if you want to read about my Bittern encounters and studies over the last seven years, then you might like this. It's an article I was asked to write 😉
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
Hidden wonders: my fascinating encounters with the Bittern
Elusive and majestic, the Bittern’s booming call echoes across Minsmere’s reeds – a symbol of hope and conservation success
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Hi everyone, if you want to read about my Bittern encounters and studies over the last seven years, then you might like this. It's an article I was asked to write 😉
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
Hi all, If you have time, please take a look at my article that the East Anglia Bylines have kindly published. My thanks to them for making this possible, and wonderfully presented by East Anglia Bylines.
The booming Bittern is an elusive bird.
Leslie Cater's passion for birdwatching the UK's loudest bird was rewarded by a rarely seen courtship dance.
Read on to also share this moment...
Leslie Cater's passion for birdwatching the UK's loudest bird was rewarded by a rarely seen courtship dance.
Read on to also share this moment...
Hidden wonders: my fascinating encounters with the Bittern
Elusive and majestic, the Bittern’s booming call echoes across Minsmere’s reeds – a symbol of hope and conservation success
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Hi all, If you have time, please take a look at my article that the East Anglia Bylines have kindly published. My thanks to them for making this possible, and wonderfully presented by East Anglia Bylines.
3 Days turned into 5 with the Crossbills, as I was asked by friends and visitors to help them find, see, and photograph them. For some it was the first time they had ever seen one. Sharing the experience with others was a pleasure, and I have made more new friends in doing so😊😉
November 8, 2025 at 2:25 PM
3 Days turned into 5 with the Crossbills, as I was asked by friends and visitors to help them find, see, and photograph them. For some it was the first time they had ever seen one. Sharing the experience with others was a pleasure, and I have made more new friends in doing so😊😉
This is the result of 3 days and many hours waiting to get this and a few more images exactly as I planned it. This particular photo really does show the beauty of these unusual birds called Crossbills, and to get three males in this pose was exactly what I hoped to achieve. 😊
November 5, 2025 at 11:12 PM
This is the result of 3 days and many hours waiting to get this and a few more images exactly as I planned it. This particular photo really does show the beauty of these unusual birds called Crossbills, and to get three males in this pose was exactly what I hoped to achieve. 😊
I have been going through my Bittern files, and there are many, to many, but I have found some lovely images I had yet to process from several years ago. This is Island mere hide back in those days, from under the hide. Some great setting sun moments, some lovely Bitterns @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
October 25, 2025 at 9:28 PM
I have been going through my Bittern files, and there are many, to many, but I have found some lovely images I had yet to process from several years ago. This is Island mere hide back in those days, from under the hide. Some great setting sun moments, some lovely Bitterns @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
After two weeks waiting for this Bittern to leave its little clump of reeds where it would be all day feeding, this morning the Bittern flew just up the channel nearby. It emerged for a change, made it's way along the edge of the mere in the open and not hide in the reeds. @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 8:52 PM
After two weeks waiting for this Bittern to leave its little clump of reeds where it would be all day feeding, this morning the Bittern flew just up the channel nearby. It emerged for a change, made it's way along the edge of the mere in the open and not hide in the reeds. @rspbminsmere.bsky.social
Yesterday morning @RSPBMinsmere
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
October 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Yesterday morning @RSPBMinsmere
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
it was busy at Island mere hide with members of the heron family feeding well. The Bittern, Great White Egret, and the Grey Heron were putting on a show who could catch the biggest fish, in this case Rudd and Roach. I think the Bittern edged it😉👍
This is what happens when a Bittern takes up residence in an area of reed beds in front of Island mere hide on the left the last 10 days. A GW Egret kept bothering the bittern by going into those reeds on the edge of the mere to fish. Excellent territorial behaviour response 😊👍@rspbminsmere
October 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
This is what happens when a Bittern takes up residence in an area of reed beds in front of Island mere hide on the left the last 10 days. A GW Egret kept bothering the bittern by going into those reeds on the edge of the mere to fish. Excellent territorial behaviour response 😊👍@rspbminsmere
Bearded tit female quietly moving through the reeds when I was under Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
October 17, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Bearded tit female quietly moving through the reeds when I was under Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
while I was watching the Bitterns. It was lovely to see her, as we all go for the males, but I think the females are as beautiful in their own right. What do you think 🤔 😉😊
One of the under estimated larger birds of the marshes, the Great White Egret. This image was captured this week on a grey cloudy day with a moment of sunlight breaking throug, gave this image a slightly back-lit affect. Personally, I like days like this as it makes you creative.
October 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM
One of the under estimated larger birds of the marshes, the Great White Egret. This image was captured this week on a grey cloudy day with a moment of sunlight breaking throug, gave this image a slightly back-lit affect. Personally, I like days like this as it makes you creative.
While waiting for the Bittern to show today, we had a visit from the wonderful male Kingfisher at island mere @RSPBMinsmere
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
October 16, 2025 at 10:09 PM
While waiting for the Bittern to show today, we had a visit from the wonderful male Kingfisher at island mere @RSPBMinsmere
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
I decided not to crop it to much, otherwise you loose the surroundings in which he visits at least several times a day.
This Bittern has occupied a part of the reed bed left of Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
October 16, 2025 at 9:42 PM
This Bittern has occupied a part of the reed bed left of Island mere hide @RSPBMinsmere
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
Over two days in about 5/6 meters X 2 meters strip of reed bed, has repelled all that came close to it. A GW Egret tried to invade the patch, this was the response. He/she will not budge 😂
Excellent start to the Autumn Bittern season here @RSPBMinsmere
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
October 15, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Excellent start to the Autumn Bittern season here @RSPBMinsmere
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
Today over an six hour session, we had seventeen bittern flights, with two of the bitterns being very big, likely to be males. The weather was not great, but just for a moment the misty clouds filtered some sunlight.
I have posted this photo of the Turkestan Shrike we had for eight days at Dunwich heath, only to show how you can get the best out of a poor light day. This was taken when it was cloudy right at the end of the day the light goes flat and this enables you to get a better expossure with natural light.
October 13, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I have posted this photo of the Turkestan Shrike we had for eight days at Dunwich heath, only to show how you can get the best out of a poor light day. This was taken when it was cloudy right at the end of the day the light goes flat and this enables you to get a better expossure with natural light.
It seems the Turkestan Shrike might have finally gone, no more reports today. I think all of us hope he gets home or as close as he can safely. I really have enjoyed watching a Shrike doing what they do when catching prey. He gained a great deal of repect and affection from me 😊
October 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM
It seems the Turkestan Shrike might have finally gone, no more reports today. I think all of us hope he gets home or as close as he can safely. I really have enjoyed watching a Shrike doing what they do when catching prey. He gained a great deal of repect and affection from me 😊
One of those moments when you get the chance to do something different, today was that day. Turkestan Shrike Dunwich.😊😉
October 9, 2025 at 10:25 PM
One of those moments when you get the chance to do something different, today was that day. Turkestan Shrike Dunwich.😊😉
Saved some of my best images from three days at Dunwich Heath to last, although there are more, I will not put anymore up for a while after these. I cant think I have had better days with such a wonderful bird like this rare Turkestan's Shrike. This is one stunning bird to see and photograph😊
October 7, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Saved some of my best images from three days at Dunwich Heath to last, although there are more, I will not put anymore up for a while after these. I cant think I have had better days with such a wonderful bird like this rare Turkestan's Shrike. This is one stunning bird to see and photograph😊