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Les Cater

@lesjwc.bsky.social
535 followers 338 following 215 posts

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

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Reposted by Les Cater
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 18/08/2026
Dunwich Heath has survived decades of nurturing wildlife, inspiring visitors & providing refuge for rare species. A single wildfire has changed that. The loss - heartbreaking. But it strengthens the case for protecting precious habitats writes Les Cater. #Birds
eastangliabylines.co.uk
A warning written in ash – a threat to our world
A Suffolk heathland is reduced to ashes – a personal reflection on loss, wildlife, and the urgent need for conservation
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
While in Devon I had the chance to see the Cirl Buntings, a first for me, and after three attempts, only a couple of hours on each day to find them, I got what I hoped for in poor weather conditions. Beautiful birds with a stunning plumage and song. This was RSPB Labrador Bay 😊
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Reposted by Les Cater
Scruffy Terrier @scruffyterriers.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
@lesjwc.bsky.social Great to see your Dartford warbler image used in this piece www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
Dartford warbler stages a comeback 60 years after almost vanishing
Survey shows 44% increase on RSPB reserves of bird that almost became extinct in England in the 60s
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
A quick collection from my trip to Mull for the White Tailed Sea Eagles aboard the Lady Jane @mullcharters in April 2026. I was very fortunate to have had my trip out as the weather was bad most days before and after, but my day was perfect and weather eased enough to get out for the day 😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
With a late start and arriving later than 7am this morning to meet Stephen Harper at 6.30am at Island mere hide, Minsmere. I was pleased to see one of the male Bitterns already in front of the hide, the light was lovely and it was wind still. 😊Pleased to have had a good morning and the company👍
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Finally got around to more photos from my trip to Spain a few weeks ago. This time Ravens on our first day out, you can see just how bad the weahter was with non stop raining and no sunshine nearly all day. We did get more birds and fox's later in the afternoon thank goodness.😉
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Out of bed at 4.30am, a quick breakfast then an 1.5 hour drive to Great Yarmouth at first light for the SEO's some good views but no photos. So, had some quality time with these lovely little Ringed Plovers. They were a joy to watch, photograph and the weather was brilliant. 😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Had a trip over to Great Yarmouth today, unexpected and pleased I went. Weather was very cold and windy, the SEO's were sitting all day in the dunes grasses trying to stay warm and out of the wind. It was only at the end of the day, they started to move about if only for a while.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
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.
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Reposted by Les Cater
RSPB Scotland @rspbscotland.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
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. 🧵
Hamlet the Golden Eagle being released into the wild after recovering from being shot
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
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 😉
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
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 😂
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
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.😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
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
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Reposted by Les Cater
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 22/01/2026
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.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
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 😊👍
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Reposted by Les Cater
RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
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
"10 Birds You’d Be Lucky to Spot on Your Big Garden Birdwatch" features ten bird species. Top row: Hawfinch with a large bill and chestnut plumage, Corn Bunting with streaked brown feathers, and Skylark with a crest and buff colouring. Middle row: Linnet with a red breast and brown wings, Lesser Redpoll hanging upside down with a red cap, and Brambling with a striking orange chest. Bottom row: Marsh Tit with a black cap and pale underparts, a male Yellowhammer with bright yellow plumage and a female with streaked brown, a Green Woodpecker with a red crown and green body, and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with black and white markings and a red patch on the male’s head.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
This is very good news.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
I finally finished my Crested tit Blog and it is ready for viewing on my website, mywildlifeimages.com @rspb.bsky.social
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
One hour for birds: The power of Big Garden Birdwatch eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
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 😄😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
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 😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
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 😊☃️🎄☃️
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
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 ☺️
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Few more photos edited from my trip to Scotland for the Red Squirrels with @PeteWalkden1973 These photos show the diverse and typical enviroment you would expect to see Red Squirrels in Scotland. I was privileged to be able to see and photograph them. A favourite for all to see😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Tomorrow I will be on my way to scotland for my Crested tit workshop with @PeteWalkden1973 over the next few days. Another year has past and I still look forward seeing these Crested beauties in the ancient forests of Scotland. Red Squirrels possibly on this trip all being well😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
I returned to the Crossbills with a couple of friends who had come a long way to see and photograph them. They were not disapointed, albeit they had to wait six hours for them to appear. No 4 photo, the black is the underside of a car in the car park, which I found fascinating and interesting 😊👍
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
I went to Wesleton Heath again today as the weather was excellent but cold and windy. This Kestrel was hunting over the heath and came down many times, but did not catch much. Each time it would return to this Oak tree and wait, then fly down to the ground trying to catch it's prey.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
I still felt there was more to be had from the Crossbills, with the puddle, reflections and light. All I had to do was get the Crossbills to come down the right time of day and for the light to be in the right place. The golden glow is a reflection of the trees lit up by the sun.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Dropped into Island mere hide, @RSPBMinsmere this morning at 8.00am, and at 8.30am we were all rewarded with this view of a mother Otter with her two cubs. The last time I saw this activity with Otters was back in 2017, so this was an absolutely wonderful way to begin the day😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
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 😆😉
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
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.
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Reposted by Les Cater
Rewilding Britain @rewildingbritain.org.uk · 19/11/2025
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👇 www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/appeal
A Eurasian lynx rests on a sunny forest floor. Text reads: "Our Future is Wild. 18-28 November. Double Your Donation.". Photo credit: Mario Plechaty Photograph/Shutterstock
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Reposted by Les Cater
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 18/11/2025
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
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
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 😊
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Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
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 ⤵️
eastangliabylines.co.uk
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
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😊
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
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
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
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
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.
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Les Cater @lesjwc.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
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😊😉
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