Lee Mott Photography

Black Woodpecker Book Front Cover

2011-07-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

A new major title from Lynx publishing , written by Gerard Gorman, Black Woodpecker a monograph, features one of my Black Woodpecker images for the front cover.

SNP Awards Portfolio Yearbook - Cover Image

2011-07-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Scottish Nature Photography Awards have chosen my image of a Puffin in flight for the cover of the 2010 Yearbook.

Hungary Workshop January 2011

2011-03-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

A selection of images from the Images in Nature Hungary White Tailed Eagle Workshop from January 2011 , as usuall another very sucsessfull week.

Secret Wonders of the Wild

2011-03-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

A selection of the winning images from the Scottish Nature Photographer of the year competition, from the Daily Mail, saturday March 26th 2011.

Including my Puffin image.

Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2010

2011-03-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Two of Lees images were in the Final selection of the Scottish Nature Photography Awards 2010. Both images taken in Shetland , were in the final 20 selected for the Scottish Wildlife Category.

The images will be published in the Scottish Nature Photography Year Book , out later in the Year.

Shorter days

2010-10-30T15:27:00.001-07:00

Been mainly working in the office over the last week.
With the shorter days now upon us.
Its time again for my other passion, and a painting in progress, of a Pallases Warbler.

Snow is falling, all around , children playing , having fun

2010-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Its not xmas , But it feels like it here.
-1 this morning and snow showers, heavy at times.
Waxwings briefly in the garden first thing, but too dark to photograph.

Birdwatch Magazine - Rarity Photo of The Month

2010-10-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

I had no idea,but on opening Birdwatch magazine this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my images,again gracing the pages of the magazine. But this time one of my Buff -bellied Pipit images gets the accolade of Rarity Photo of The Month, in the November 2010 issue 221.

Butchers block

2010-10-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

With the Isabeleine Shrike still around, i could not resist another view, never a dull moment from this bird, if its not hunting or ripping the heads off mice and birds and throwing up pellets.

Regurgitating a pellet

Observed the bird catch a Twite and brought it over to, for all intense and purposes something that looked like a butchers block

Twite hanging in the Thistles

New- bird of the Autumn

2010-10-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago i called the Isabeline Shrike, the bird of the Autumn, and im pleased to be proved wrong. This Red Flanked Bluetail at Kergord yesterday was the best plumage condition I had seen , the first I had seen in real woodland habitat and this bird showed its self off like the true star it was.

Not so Rosy

2010-10-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

This juvenile Rose coloured Starling at Cunningsbrugh looked rather doppey when i first arrived,tucked in a bush asleep, dripping wet. It soon dried off and picked up enough to feed in the surrounding gardens.

Best bird this autumn

2010-10-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Isabeline Shrike found at Spiggie, was still around today (13th October).
What a stunner, for me the bird of the autumn, that gave some stunning behavioral images. Observed bringing in mice, impaling and finally eating.

Destined for the Office

2010-10-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

I was today destined for office work,allthough long overdue, it was not my choice.
The wifes car would not start this morning,so she used my space gear.
Praying that nothing mega would turn up while i tried to fix the sick seat.
Then into the office, and a quick click on these Siskin in the garden.

back to the ranch

2010-10-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

After the large number of birds yesterday,today was a contrast,as most seemed to have moved out. after scouring south mainland Shetland, with Great Grey Shrike the only bird of note.
On the way back to the ranch, called in at Channerwick a few common migrants, and this welcome Red Breasted Flycatcher.

My co-operative Dunlin again

Tiny Gems

2010-10-09T12:01:00.001-07:00

Today was a day full of birds, with a good fall of migrants.
While photographing Goldcrests at Sumbrugh, i followed a lead in to the nearby fields to find this Stunning gem , a Pallass's Warbler.
I was accompanied by Dougie Preston, who heard the call of a Richards Pipit and thanks to Dougie we tracked down the bird to confirm his find.

Goldcrest seemed to be everywhere today, these must be one of my all time top birds.

Song Thrush

Siskin

Wave Goodby

2010-10-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hunted in the morning for a Citrene Wagtail that had been around for a few days, but even with local knowledge,could not track down.
Early after noon and a number of birds came out, including this Red Flanked Bluetail at Geoster.
A tricky critter,only obtaining a single image i was happy with.
But loads of other common migrants .

This Pied Flycatcher in some great light,and the characteristic flick of the wings.

Buff-belied Pipit-second time around

2010-10-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday 6th October 2010
Visited the Buff-Bellied Pipit site at Eshaness.Only waited two hours this time before the Pipit turned up. later in the afternoon, a few images in the garden.

Shetland Wren

Chiffchaff

British Wildlife Photography Awards

2010-10-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

I have recently been notified that one of my images has been selected for the British Wildlife Photography Awards.

A book, by AA publishing is due out this week, that includes all the winning images.

The image taken last year in Shetland , depicting Arctic Tern's against the setting sun, and was chosen as one of the best submissions in the competition.

The image was also one of thirty images that have been chosen to be sold as limited edition framed Lambda prints in the Hoopers Gallery, London.

I have agreed to make a donation to the WWF for each print sale.

This follows my other success earlier this year in the

British Birds Photograph of the Year competition.

The Book can be purchased from Amazon Here

Milky Tea

2010-10-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

The morning started with a check on our Horses, a Pallass's Grasshopper Warbler had been found yesterday at the bottom of the field. All was well,but i had no intention of following 40 + around a iris bed , so I headed for Sumbrugh to relocate the Radde's Warbler at Sumbrugh.I soon found the bird in a nettle patch.These birds are intent on groveling around on the floor in the undergrowth, I just wanted it perched up.With patience it eventually obliged.

On the way back home ,called in at Channerwick to try for the Sykes Warbler.
No images obtained of this bouncing milky tea bird.
But witnessed two Rapters coming down the valley. A Merlin mobbing a Sparrowhawk, plus an obliging Dunlin.

Dunlin

Common migrants

2010-10-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Its not just the scarce or rare migrants that pass through Shetland.
The Levenwick Swainsons Thrush found late yesterday afternoon, was still residents in a large garden. A 2 hour wait produced fleeting views.
Then back to the garden for the common migrants. Like this Pied Flycatcher, the third Flycatcher species photographed this week.
Also these spanking Brambling.

Big Birds

2010-10-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

1st October Warbler day
The Booted warbler found at Quendale gave slightly better views,but was still rather wary.

Then Radde,s Warbler came out at Sumbrugh Quarry.

Radde's Warbler

Brambling,

Sumbrugh

Bluethroat Sumbrugh Quarry

Another Duo

2010-10-02T05:13:00.001-07:00

Today was very windy gale force 5-6 , then by nightfall increasing to force 8-9,around 75mph.
I had been watching a very elusive Booted Warbler in a crop field, not my idea of fun. So took a walk further to find this Red Breasted Flycatcher,trying to make the best of a bad day,by sheltering at the base of willows in a dense walled garden. Photography was tricky,lowlight,high wind, and a quick moving flycatcher. But this was fun.

This week had Spotted,Pied and Red Breasted Flycatcher in the garden,with the winds being so strong, I only had a chance of this Spotted Flycatcher.

Buff Duo

2010-09-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

A return to Eshaness today for a Buff-belied Pipit.
Waited around the area it was last seen (40minutes previous)

2 hours later and I'm still waiting.nipped over to have a quick look at the Buff-breasted Sandpipers from the other day. They returned after the chopper fright.
but now only two birds.
Returned to the Pipit site, and after another hour it suddenly appeared. Giving great views.

A day between birds

2010-09-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Shetlanders have a saying "a day batween waders", thats not Waders but weathers.
This is what they call a good weather day.
A scattering of good scarce or rare migrants around the islands. But generaly birds are thin on the ground.
Found a Red Breasted Flycatcher in the garden,but pruven very elusive, in the windy conditions.
I settled for this Blackcap at Sumbrugh, that eventually, after carefull stalking,gave in to some good views.
If its good always stick with what youve got.

Buff Breasted Bannished By Big Blue Chopper

2010-09-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Eshaness - Shetland -Buff Breasted Sandpiper & Lapland Bunting

Arrived at Eshaness later than i would have liked. Re checked the local patch for the White Thrush, but to no avail.
On arrival located the now three birds, but only had arround 20 minutes with them, when suddenly an Helicopter from one of the off shore rigs came closer, and closer.
Flying very low overhead.
The sandpipers took flight, following them with bins, they flew into the distance untill the spots bacame nothing.
Initialy I felt gutted, but then , if i had arrived half an hour later, they would have been gone.

After the suuden loss of the Buff breasts, I tried my luck on

some Lapland Buntings.

Part of a large influx, the largest ever recorded in Shetland.

Another Arctic day

2010-09-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Another breezy day, but sunny.
Arctic Warbler at Sumbrugh Head.
plus Barred Warbler, Yellow Browed Warbler.

Yesterdays Barred Warbler and Yellow Browed Warbler

and a Chiffchaff.
On the way back from south mainland, Shetland, News came out of a Whites Thrush. In the village that I live.
on arrival at the local, just 4 others birders. We obtained two brief views, before the masses arrived.

Warblers are not boring like ducks

2010-09-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Friday 24th September 2010

Another blustery day in the south mainland of Shetland.
Returned to Sumbrugh head and the relatively sheltered quarry.
A good mix of Warblers, including this Barred Warbler.

Well you know how i feel about warblers, and this Goldcrest

is no exception.

I have tried for a few years now to obtain them hovering.

and a smart Chiffchaff

Thursdayy 23rd September 2010

Warblers are my thing, they rarely just sit about, like boring ducks,they move around a lot like err warblers.

This Arctic Warbler was at Sumbrugh Head.

A smart example, with a rather thin neat Super, distinct grey nape, but just a feint wingbar on its left wing and non on the right.

2010-09-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 22nd September

A chance encounter with a Snow Bunting

Tuesday 21st September

Obtaining images of Sanderlings is not all that difficult.
However they can look rather weird when frozen in time.
I tried for the fast moving bird, trying for the suspended look.

British Birds , Bird Photograph of the Year

2010-09-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Late news from August.
I was announced a winner in the British Birds,Bird Photograph of the Year
Judged by Chris Packam.
with this image of a pair of Fulmar attacking a Oystercatchers nest.
It was awarded 3rd place.

I also got the 11th place with this image of a Arctic Tern,
just emerging from the water with a fish.

Both images are published in the British Birds 2011 calander.

Me with the judge and presentor Chris Packam

This is supposed to be a Blog !

2010-09-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a year now since my last post!
This is supposed to be a Blog, that's not a Blog.
The fact is I began last year, and posted blogs almost on a daily basis.
This would never be sustainable, over my busiest periods a weekly blog would be enough.
So that is what i intend to do, at least once a week update the blog.
Well we will see!

R B Fly Dip 27th October 2009

2009-11-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

27th October 2009
A Red Breasted Flycatcher had been at swinning for well over a week, with one thing and another I had been busy fitting everything in,business,birds,and some essential maintenance back at the ranch.
The bird had shown well for the last two days,so the evening before I decided to set off early the next morning.
Two hours at the site and I had nothing more than House Sparrows and a Robin .
That's how it goes, so they say.
Very close to the location gave a nice group of Whooper Swans.

End of the Gale - 27th October 2009

2009-10-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

27th October 2009

After days of gales from the East,expectations of an influx of birds to be jumping from out of the undergrowth now the wind had dropped,on this calm and dry day.Migrants in fact obvious by there absence.
The garden included Chiffchaff and Robin.
Chiffchaff

Checked the local fields for the Golden Plover flock.

Rob Fray put out a MDS text,Olive Backed Pipit at Levenwick. However after searching the area for the next hour, the bird showed,but very distantly.
A Blackcap and Reed Bunting finished the day.

Blackcap

Blackcap

Blackcap

Nice weather for Snipe - 21 October 2009

2009-10-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

Did a tour of duty around village.
The wind and rain kept most things out of site.Is the autumn over?

Snipe

Snipe

Only the garden - 20th October 2009

2009-10-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

20th October 2009
Very windy and as dark as winter.
Office work was the order of the day.
But had to keep checking the garden.

Ortolan Bunting -19th October 2009

2009-10-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

19th October 2009
On my local patch,while watching the first winter arrivals of Purple Sandpiper, feeding with Turnstones.

Info came through of a Ortolan Bunting at Virkie Willows.
On arrival as I walked the bank at the side of the trees the bird flew up on to the willows.
Was also observed feeding the banks of the burns.

Ortolan Bunting

Ortolan Bunting

Common or Garden 17th October 2009

2009-10-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

17th October 2009
Searching for migrants today down the Ness (south Shetland Mainland)
Only two migrants seen,Lesser Whitethroat and Blackcap,both very elusive in the wind.

House Sparrow

House Sparrow

Red Flanked Bluetail 14th October 2009

2009-10-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

14th October 2009
A Red Flanked Bluetail had been around, near Voe for a couple of days,but the rain had been so bad yesterday, I decided to leave it until this morning. The bird had a large feeding circuit,and much of its patch was covered in dense vegetation.
Reasonable views obtained,but sometimes the bird disappeared for over 90 minutes before re-appearing.

Red Flanked Bluetail

Red Flanked Bluetail

Red Flanked Bluetail

Red Flanked Bluetail

Goldcrest

Spotted Sandpiper

2009-10-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

12th October 2009

This morning decided to catch up with a Spotted Sandpiper, near Queldale that had been found yesterday.
The bird was said to be difficult to locate,due its tendency to feed under the overhanging banks of the Burns.
Having walked the two interlinking Burns twice, a little dispondent,but decided to check the beach at the end of the main Burn.
Walking down onto the beach, nothing moving,then suddenly a Sandpiper flew from the far corner and on to some distant rocks, then around the cliffs to an adjacent bay.
That was the bird, but would it return?
The contrasty sea weed proved a contrasty problem.
But eventualy manged some images I was pleased with

In the afternoon went for a reported

Lancelated Warbler, again at Quendale.

No look , but did photograph this Greenfinch, a scarce migrant in Shetland.

My prayers answered (What a day)

2009-10-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

11th October 2009

The morning of the 11th October was a real contrast to the end of yesterday.
The sun shone and the wind was light, just as i had hoped, but was the Bonellis Warbler still around?
Well that and more.
On arrival at the small copse in the Maywick valley,the trees full of life.
The Bonnelis was still around,feeding on the sunny side of the copse,together with a host of other warblers.Goldcrest,Yellow Browed Warbler,Chiichaff,Willow Warbler,Lesser
whitethrought,Blackcap.
This was the most migrants we had seen all year, with the common migrants being very thin on the ground, due to the wind directions being in the wrong direction,most of the autumn.

Western Bonellis Warbler

Goldcrest

Western Bonellis Warbler

Western Bonellis Warbler

Western Bonellis Warbler

Western Bonnellis Warbler

Western Bonellis Warbler

Western Bonellis Warbler

During the morning I hardly gave any thought too what could be around the rest of the island.
But on leaving the valley,the mobile gave its distinctive rattle and roll,one after the other.
Pechora,Little Bunting,Arctic Redpoll,Lancy,OBP,Arctic Warbler,Spotted Sandpiper,
Blyths Reed Warbler - Hoswick- HOSWICK,ITS PROBABLY IN MY GARDEN.
and so it was. The best views had been and gone , but I managed a few moments over the next two hours.
Then by late afternoon,headed off to Sumbrugh Farm,and relocated this fine Little Bunting.

What a day.

Little Bunting

Little Bunting

Little Bunting

2009-10-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

10th October 2009

The morning was dull and windy, but with a few migrants at my local patch,I was hopefull of some thing more. Hugh Harrop found a Western Bonellis Warbler at his local patch in the Maywick Valley.
Still windy,wet and dark the active warbler proved a real challange.
Im just hoping it stays to be viewed in better conditions

Locus Pocus

2009-10-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

9th October 2009

The news of a Lancelated Warbler at Toab,south shetland mainland. However the usual Locustela brief views did not tell the true story, the photographic evidence, sadly proved it was just a Grasshopper Warbler. Non the less still a good find for Shetland.

Two Arctic warbler's in one tree !

2009-10-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

8th October 2009 Checked to find the Arctic Redpoll was still at Aith,I would like to thank Jim for finding this bird and allowing me to capture this image of a falling snow flake.

8 October 2009
Russ Haywood an excellent Shetland birder found a Arctic Warbler in Wester Quarf, then a few days later, two birds.
I was well pleased to experience the same two birds in the same tree.

Arctic Warbler

Arctic Warbler Lesser Whitethrought

Blackcap

Arctic Duo - 7th October 2009

2009-10-08T13:25:00.001-07:00

7th October 2009

Bumped in to Dave Hall this morning,an old friend I had not seen in a while.
We headed for the Arctic Duo, Warbler and Redpoll.
The Arctic Redpoll showed as well as ever, but the Arctic Warbler showed,but well under cover.
However with patience,eventualy got the shot.
While at the warbler Russ haywood had found a Yellow browed Warbler,the most elusive ive known of this species,due to the local feline. Arctic Warbler

Arctic Warbler

Yellow Browed Warbler

Arctic Redpoll (or is it a snow flake)

Arctic Redpoll

7th October

More Arctic Redpoll - 6th October 2009

2009-10-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

6th October 2009
The Aith Arctic Redpoll continued to feed in the same stuble field

Brambling

6th October

Arctic Redpoll - 5th October 2009

2009-10-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

5th October 2009
Jim Nicolson found a Hornnemans Arctic Redpoll at Aith ( Cunningsbrough).
The bird was in great condition. The bird seemed small compared to others I have seen,possibly a female?.

Autumn in full swing - 4th October 2009

2009-10-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

4th OCTOBER 2009

The Veery and Pechora Pipit still on Whalsey.
Decided to return for the Veery for what could be the once in a lifetime encounter.
The wonderfull people of Whallsey gave me a first rate welcome.Because of repairs to the ferry terminal on the island, only foot passengers allowed onto the island. So I thought the chance to see the showy Pechora Pipit was once again out of the question. But Jason Atkinson a Whalsey birder offered to run me over to the other side of the island to give the bird a try.
The bird gave us supurb views. Many thanks to Jason, Whalsey Birders and residents.

Back at Symbister,intermitant views of the Veery,but still a superb day.

Veery Nice

2009-10-04T10:39:00.001-07:00

Friday and news of a Veery on Foula sent a number of birders, saturday morning ,either by boat or plane. that very same day,come noon yet another Veery came out,this time from Whalsey. Five minutes after the news broke,I was on the road,heading for the ferry out to Whalsey.
Two hours gave probably a maximum of 20 seconds of viewing time.
But special non the less.

Eye of the Taiga (Fly Stalone)

2009-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

What a week!

The news of a Taiga Flycatcher in Shetland,being just the third for Britain.

Started a journey at 4am, for the "red eye" ferry.

The sky was clear and the wind had dropped overnight. My thoughts-the bird had gone.

But waiting for the second ferry of the morning, a text came through,the bird was still on Fetlar.

Taiga Flycatcher

On the way back through Yell, a derelict house and overgrown garden was the temporary home for a Arctic Warbler

Shetland Wren

Meanwhie back at the ranch a Yellow Browed still performed for the crowds

Autumn migration in 1/8th swing

2009-09-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Rock Pipit

Wheatear

Pink footed Geese

Greenshank on Burra

Yellow Browed Warbler,still puts on a show,dispite the gales and lots of Birders.

So Far this week

Yellow Browed Warbler

2009-09-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

The Garden Turned up a Willow Warbler first thing in the morning,that in its self was nice, as the lack of migrants due to the Westerly winds makes anything seem special.
Then later in the day I heard the distinctive call of one of my favourite birds
Yellow Browed Warbler. But then it made it even more special , as I obtained a shot I had been after for years , but happens so quickly, hovering underneath a leaf.

Willow Warbler

4 Pied Wagtails came to roost in the garden.

Turnstones save the day

2009-09-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

Having spent a couple of hours in the morning visiting some of the best Migrant hotspots.

With nothing more than a Whinchat, in fact only a Whinchat.

I decided to visit one of my favorite local sites.Nothing special, but at least the Turnstones and Rock Pipits, helped me burn some data onto a cf card.

Crossbills and Boats

2009-09-14T12:57:00.001-07:00

After a few hours trying to relocate
the Booted Warbler.
Returned back to base to find these
Crossbills on my local patch.

A friend invited me out on his boat.

Quiet an experience, as its not the biggest boat in the world.

All these images hand held

Booted Warbler typical Hippo

2009-09-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

A Booted Warbler at Channerwick yesterday, South mainland ,Shetland.

Probably only a mile or so from home (as the crow).

A typical Hoppolais,skulky and elusive.

Managed a couple of shots.

2009-09-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

Im currently working on updating the structure of my Website
www.leemottphotography.co.uk

The site was , I think rather basic and clumsy.
So the Gallery is being re- structured.
This will probably take some time.
But I hope it will prove to be of some interest, and worth revisiting
on a regular basis.

2009-09-08T03:04:00.000-07:00

Hi
Well Ive given in to the Blog bug
I thought I would never ever have a blog
Would I ever have the time to update it ?
Well due to questions from clients who would like to see what Im up to
Here it is !

Im going to do my best to update when ever I can
Thanks for Looking.