After the past couple of posts this feels like something of a return to normal. Just a few fairly straightforward shots taken around Falmer Pond. So we have ducks…
And a rather handsome jackdaw.
The one unusual sighting (and to be absolutely truthful it was pointed out to me by a local naturalist I know who happened to be at the pond today) is this tiny little plant. 
It's buttonweed (Cotula coronopifolia), and was growing right by the edge of the water. It only appears when the level drops in the pond, and will quickly disappear as the pond fills over winter. I was also given a quick lesson in duck calls, so I can now tell males from females by their quack! 😀
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
gdare
15 Nov 2011"so I can now tell males from females by their quack!"
And the difference is…?
Words
16 Nov 2011The sound they make 😉 No, the females are much louder and make a clear high-pitched 'quack'. The males have more of a grunt.
H82typ
16 Nov 2011That would figure… 😆
derWandersmann
16 Nov 2011Yep.
cakkleberrylane
16 Nov 2011Sounds familiar. Third shot is beautiful with the light coming through the wings.
gdare
16 Nov 2011Originally posted by Words:
😆
SittingFox
16 Nov 2011Interesting plant. There's not much still in flower up here! Frosts again for the last two mornings.
Words
16 Nov 2011Yes, I was waiting for the comments about the duck calls :D.
@Lois The third shot is my favourite of this set.
Words
16 Nov 2011Adele, we've not really had any frost yet. Fog certainly, but although it feels much colder it's technically quite mild still.
ICU109
17 Nov 2011very beautiful birds, all. and the duck so white and clean and bright! and cute little flowers.
Words
17 Nov 2011Thanks Kathy!
derWandersmann
18 Nov 2011The moisture helps conduct your body heat away from your skin … you feel colder.
Words
18 Nov 2011dW, that makes sense! Thanks.
Mickeyjoe-Irl
18 Nov 2011Originally posted by Words:
That's usually true regardless of species. 😆
Words
18 Nov 2011So true!
ICU109
19 Dec 2011don't make me sing little white duck sitting in the water quack quack quack again please. actually, my fave is the dark duck with the light bouncing gold off his wings. remarkable. damn i wish i could get out like all y'all.
Words
19 Dec 2011Kathy, thanks! I liked the dark shot as well. It's a female by the way.
ICU109
21 Dec 2011Originally posted by gdare:
that's what SHE said