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 learning field craft skills. RSPB volunteer and RSPB photo contributer. Web site mywildlifeimages.com
After a four hour session for the Bitterns at Island mere hide with again a no show day, I am for the first time thinking this a very slow start this year. So, a quick up the road to the heath, was a nice few hours watching Dartford warbler males feeding up nicely for the spring.
February 15, 2026 at 4:19 PM
After a four hour session for the Bitterns at Island mere hide with again a no show day, I am for the first time thinking this a very slow start this year. So, a quick up the road to the heath, was a nice few hours watching Dartford warbler males feeding up nicely for the spring.
Here is proof that more and more Bitterns are moving further out into northern and southern areas. I had evidense sent to me that a dutch bittern was tracked all the way to Ghana, that is an epic journey for any bird.
A stop-the-car-now moment: fabulous views of this Eurasian Bittern feeding in a roadside burn at the northern end of Loch of Spiggie today. A rare bird here in Shetland with less than 30 records of this cryptic heron!
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #UKWildlife #Birds
#BirdingScotland #UKbirding #RareBirdsUK #UKWildlife #Birds
February 11, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Here is proof that more and more Bitterns are moving further out into northern and southern areas. I had evidense sent to me that a dutch bittern was tracked all the way to Ghana, that is an epic journey for any bird.
Reposted by Les Cater
We’re relieved to hear that Hamlet, a 4-year-old Golden Eagle, has recovered from his injuries and been released back into the wild after being shot in the Borders.
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
February 10, 2026 at 12:54 PM
We’re relieved to hear that Hamlet, a 4-year-old Golden Eagle, has recovered from his injuries and been released back into the wild after being shot in the Borders.
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
It comes after the suspicious disappearance of two other Golden Eagles, Tarras and Wren, in the south of Scotland in August.
🧵
One of the most unusual and beautiful sights we had were the Buzzards, some of them had this amazing plumage and markings. Although we saw the most common type we have here in the UK, this one was in my eyes something special. It could be a young Buzzard but I am not sure. 😉😊 @rspb.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 11:41 PM
One of the most unusual and beautiful sights we had were the Buzzards, some of them had this amazing plumage and markings. Although we saw the most common type we have here in the UK, this one was in my eyes something special. It could be a young Buzzard but I am not sure. 😉😊 @rspb.bsky.social
Another nice surprise while in Spain was to see Fox's not far from where the Imperial Eagles came to their perching area high up in the hills. Sat in a small hide gave us a chance to see them up close as they came over the ridge. Poor light and rain was heavy at times but useful and atmospheric 😉
February 7, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Another nice surprise while in Spain was to see Fox's not far from where the Imperial Eagles came to their perching area high up in the hills. Sat in a small hide gave us a chance to see them up close as they came over the ridge. Poor light and rain was heavy at times but useful and atmospheric 😉
Photographing Goshawks in Spain was no1 on my list. Having never seen one before in the wild, was an experience never to be forgotten. Their behaviour when eating prey was amazing to witness, especially when other raptors came close they would encompass the prey with their wings to protect it.
February 4, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Photographing Goshawks in Spain was no1 on my list. Having never seen one before in the wild, was an experience never to be forgotten. Their behaviour when eating prey was amazing to witness, especially when other raptors came close they would encompass the prey with their wings to protect it.
A quick introduction to my trip of Spain which I got home on Saturday evening. I am now now downloading around 5000 images of many species of raptors like these Imperial Eagles, Goshawks and many more like the Iberian Lynk. I will post other images once I have oprocessed them including more raptors.
February 3, 2026 at 10:24 PM
A quick introduction to my trip of Spain which I got home on Saturday evening. I am now now downloading around 5000 images of many species of raptors like these Imperial Eagles, Goshawks and many more like the Iberian Lynk. I will post other images once I have oprocessed them including more raptors.
One of the lovely smaller birds we encountered in Spain was the Azure magpies (Iberian Magpies) by a reflection pool. They are beautifully coloured and their calls/song is sweet, cheerful and totally different from our common Magpies here in the UK. They can be feisty as well when together 😂
February 3, 2026 at 10:20 PM
One of the lovely smaller birds we encountered in Spain was the Azure magpies (Iberian Magpies) by a reflection pool. They are beautifully coloured and their calls/song is sweet, cheerful and totally different from our common Magpies here in the UK. They can be feisty as well when together 😂
The third day in spain for the Iberian Lynx was a perfect start in the morning when a stunning male appeared out of the forest. Then a female arrived, he promptly followed her about and was interested in her as they are mates. She climbed a tree with the male below scent marking.
February 2, 2026 at 5:13 PM
The third day in spain for the Iberian Lynx was a perfect start in the morning when a stunning male appeared out of the forest. Then a female arrived, he promptly followed her about and was interested in her as they are mates. She climbed a tree with the male below scent marking.
Goshawk. I Spent the day downloading and filing the images with still more to do. I can say the trip was brilliant and many new species/lifers for me. Weather in Spain was the worst winter they had seen for years with storms and flooding and only the one afternoon of sunshine.😊
February 1, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Goshawk. I Spent the day downloading and filing the images with still more to do. I can say the trip was brilliant and many new species/lifers for me. Weather in Spain was the worst winter they had seen for years with storms and flooding and only the one afternoon of sunshine.😊
Two White Tailed Sea Eagles in a dispute over territory on Mull july 2023. Something that was a wonderful experience to see, witness and full of excitement. @rspbscotland.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @ailiswatt.bsky.social
January 22, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Two White Tailed Sea Eagles in a dispute over territory on Mull july 2023. Something that was a wonderful experience to see, witness and full of excitement. @rspbscotland.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social @ailiswatt.bsky.social
Reposted by Les Cater
As the Big Garden Birdwatch returns tomorrow, the grim reality of our "nature-depleted" country hits home.
Citizen science provides vital data, but is it ignored by a government prioritising concrete over conservation?
David Jobbins with a personal plea.
Citizen science provides vital data, but is it ignored by a government prioritising concrete over conservation?
David Jobbins with a personal plea.
From green to grey: why ‘growth at all costs’ is threatening British wildlife
This weekend amateur naturalists will spend an hour logging the birds that visit their gardens to contribute to national data
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 7:03 AM
As the Big Garden Birdwatch returns tomorrow, the grim reality of our "nature-depleted" country hits home.
Citizen science provides vital data, but is it ignored by a government prioritising concrete over conservation?
David Jobbins with a personal plea.
Citizen science provides vital data, but is it ignored by a government prioritising concrete over conservation?
David Jobbins with a personal plea.
One of our visitors a couple of years ago, a Sparrowhawk used an old baking tray full of water as a bath we put out for the birds to drink, he did this on most days for a few weeks. We do get them most years, so hopefully not on our RSPB garden bird watch. Still something to see and enjoy 😊👍
January 22, 2026 at 5:25 PM
One of our visitors a couple of years ago, a Sparrowhawk used an old baking tray full of water as a bath we put out for the birds to drink, he did this on most days for a few weeks. We do get them most years, so hopefully not on our RSPB garden bird watch. Still something to see and enjoy 😊👍
Reposted by Les Cater
The countdown is on and our final ‘10 birds’ guide is here...
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
January 22, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The countdown is on and our final ‘10 birds’ guide is here...
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
This is very good news.
Great news for nature - thanks to you!
It’s confirmed: controversial new powers that threatened Scotland’s most important wildlife protections will not be part of the Natural Environment Bill.
Please add your voice to a final push for a strong bill: action.rspb.org.uk/page/183453/...
It’s confirmed: controversial new powers that threatened Scotland’s most important wildlife protections will not be part of the Natural Environment Bill.
Please add your voice to a final push for a strong bill: action.rspb.org.uk/page/183453/...
January 21, 2026 at 5:08 PM
This is very good news.
I finally finished my Crested tit Blog and it is ready for viewing on my website, mywildlifeimages.com
@rspb.bsky.social
@rspb.bsky.social
January 20, 2026 at 5:24 PM
I finally finished my Crested tit Blog and it is ready for viewing on my website, mywildlifeimages.com
@rspb.bsky.social
@rspb.bsky.social
Just an introduction to myself and my love of wildlife thats supported by my photography skills. With the two combined, I enjoy spending many hours out in nature surrounded by it's wonderful wildlife. I respect wildlife and because I do, over the years learnt good field craft skills to work safely.
January 19, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Just an introduction to myself and my love of wildlife thats supported by my photography skills. With the two combined, I enjoy spending many hours out in nature surrounded by it's wonderful wildlife. I respect wildlife and because I do, over the years learnt good field craft skills to work safely.
One hour for birds: The power of Big Garden Birdwatch eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
One hour for birds: The power of Big Garden Birdwatch
One hour in a local green space during the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch helps build vital data that safeguards birds and habitats across the UK
eastangliabylines.co.uk
January 18, 2026 at 10:00 PM
One hour for birds: The power of Big Garden Birdwatch eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
It's been a quiet year so far with the Bearded Tits at Minsmere. Normally they would be showing well on the board walk Island mere hide, or south path, but that has been flooded a lot. Hopefully they will put on a show like they do most years pre breeding season. Old photos 2024
January 15, 2026 at 8:51 PM
It's been a quiet year so far with the Bearded Tits at Minsmere. Normally they would be showing well on the board walk Island mere hide, or south path, but that has been flooded a lot. Hopefully they will put on a show like they do most years pre breeding season. Old photos 2024
With good weather a trip to @rspbminsmere.bsky.social Minsmere this morning for another Bittern observation resulted in three Bittern flights. The best part of this morning, was this lovely Kingfisher dropped into the reed beds to fish in a flooded area, only to find out it was frozen. Bless it 😄😊
January 14, 2026 at 5:38 PM
With good weather a trip to @rspbminsmere.bsky.social Minsmere this morning for another Bittern observation resulted in three Bittern flights. The best part of this morning, was this lovely Kingfisher dropped into the reed beds to fish in a flooded area, only to find out it was frozen. Bless it 😄😊
I returned to @RSPBMinsmere
today for another Bittern watch after the freezing weather to find the Mere still frozen and no snow. During a five hour session, I noticed in the corner a Common Snipe in a hollow in the reed beds preening it's self revealing their stunning plumage.
today for another Bittern watch after the freezing weather to find the Mere still frozen and no snow. During a five hour session, I noticed in the corner a Common Snipe in a hollow in the reed beds preening it's self revealing their stunning plumage.
January 7, 2026 at 10:27 PM
I returned to @RSPBMinsmere
today for another Bittern watch after the freezing weather to find the Mere still frozen and no snow. During a five hour session, I noticed in the corner a Common Snipe in a hollow in the reed beds preening it's self revealing their stunning plumage.
today for another Bittern watch after the freezing weather to find the Mere still frozen and no snow. During a five hour session, I noticed in the corner a Common Snipe in a hollow in the reed beds preening it's self revealing their stunning plumage.
Wishing everyone a happy New Year. This photo of a Bittern was taken several years ago, I was under island mere hide, laying with my head on the ground and the camera lens elevated up under the boards and is slightly cropped to centre the image. The Bittern was that close to me.
January 4, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Wishing everyone a happy New Year. This photo of a Bittern was taken several years ago, I was under island mere hide, laying with my head on the ground and the camera lens elevated up under the boards and is slightly cropped to centre the image. The Bittern was that close to me.
As we come to an end of another year, I have taken the time to reflect on this years photography adventures which have taken me to all four corners of England. I asked myself, could I have another good year like last year, the answer is simple, they just keep getting better, a few of those moments 😊
December 29, 2025 at 11:08 PM
As we come to an end of another year, I have taken the time to reflect on this years photography adventures which have taken me to all four corners of England. I asked myself, could I have another good year like last year, the answer is simple, they just keep getting better, a few of those moments 😊
WISHING One and All a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, Healthy Happy New Year. I would like to thank everyone who has commented, liked and for your positive words of appreciation for my photography. Enjoy the Christmas spirit which we all share at this time of year 😊☃️🎄☃️
December 23, 2025 at 7:53 PM
WISHING One and All a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, Healthy Happy New Year. I would like to thank everyone who has commented, liked and for your positive words of appreciation for my photography. Enjoy the Christmas spirit which we all share at this time of year 😊☃️🎄☃️
More of these wonderful little Crested tits from my workshop with @PeteWalkden1973 in Scotlands ancient forrests
last week. There are many photos to choose from, all equally to my eyes a pleasing result. Once again spending time with this magical species, I never tire of seeing them every year ☺️
last week. There are many photos to choose from, all equally to my eyes a pleasing result. Once again spending time with this magical species, I never tire of seeing them every year ☺️
December 19, 2025 at 3:27 PM
More of these wonderful little Crested tits from my workshop with @PeteWalkden1973 in Scotlands ancient forrests
last week. There are many photos to choose from, all equally to my eyes a pleasing result. Once again spending time with this magical species, I never tire of seeing them every year ☺️
last week. There are many photos to choose from, all equally to my eyes a pleasing result. Once again spending time with this magical species, I never tire of seeing them every year ☺️