On the front cover of the WOS 2026 Calendar

 

Black Tailed-Godwits take flight.

I am thrilled that a photograph I submitted to the 2025 Welsh Ornithological Society Photography Competition was chosen to be on the front cover of their 2026 calendar. The picture featuring a flock of Black-Tailed Godwits ( and a few Avocets) came third in the main category. There is a report on the WOS website about the competition results.

The calendar can be purchased from the WOS online shop for £10 (includes P&P).

I love telling the stories behind my pictures, and this image was taken on a very eventful day at my favourite reserve, Goldcliff Lagoons, at the end of March this year.

The day I had begun at stupid o'clock for me, as I had got up before dawn to fly my drone over the city of Newport.

Whilst waiting for the sun to rise, I took some images of the Pill and Dock areas, focusing on the famous Newport suspension bridge.

At dawn, the sun came up behind the bridge, and I got the picture I wanted.

Newport Suspension Bridge

As the sun reached its zenith, I made my way to Goldcliff, as a large flock of Black-Tailed Godwits had been putting on some spectacular aerobatic displays. I absolutely love waders and especially when they gather in large flocks. Many of my fellow photographers who know me, if asked what my signature shot is, will say it's a picture of a wader flock in flight.

At Goldcliff Lagoons, I was not to be disappointed that morning. A big flock of Black-Tailed Godwits had gathered on Becs lagoon, and they were very jittery as a  female Marsh Harrier was quartering the reserve's main reed bed on Priors.

Marsh Harrier ( Female)

Suddenly, the wary wader flock got spooked and they took to the sky. I always marvel at the incredible synchronised aerobatic display that the birds put on. In my opinion, they are better than any Red Arrow Display ( and I am a big fan of fast jets).

Black-Tailed Godwit flock at Goldcliff Lagoons

I was in my element and took hundreds of photographs. Eventually, the birds settled down, and it was time for me to leave.

I was accompanied by my two friends, Paul Joy and Steve Benton ( both are very talented photographers). Whilst packing our camera kit away in the boots of our cars, Paul shouted out to us and pointed up to the sun. A rare event was occurring right above our heads - a partial eclipse of the sun!

Eclipse of the sun.

Wow, what a day. We scrambled quickly to get our cameras back out and do what toggers do best - take pictures :)

I am really chuffed to have had one of my pictures from this day published, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the WOS calendar.

I fully recommend my readers purchase their own copy as it contains some super pictures and by doing so, support the Welsh Ornithological Society - a very worthy cause indeed.