Calke Abbey Wildlife

Today we went to Calke Abbey to have a walk around the lake and show my kids the beautiful surroundings.

Obviously being a photographer I went equipped with my Canon 1dx Mark ii and a 400mm f/2.8 lens (as you do) I made the mistake of carrying the kit round with me and boy do my arms ache now !!

However there was a reason, i've alway wanted to photograph a Woodpecker and I had been reliably informed that their bird hide at Calke Abbey was very active with woodpeckers visiting on a daily basis to their bird table.

If like me you are wanting to capture a wood pecker up close then this is the best place to be, although yes it's not actually sat at a tree if you wait around long enough you can actually capture it pecking away at a tree.

I HIT THE JACKPOT !!