A Stunning Day at the Pond

There was glorious sunshine this morning when I left home from the top of the South Downs. It was one of those days when the mists are sitting low in the valleys, and the pond was heavily shrouded by a thick fog when I arrived. The sun was strong, and the mist visibly dissipated within a few minutes to reveal a golden vista complete with gliding heron.

I watched as a sparrowhawk skimmed low over the pond through the mist, too fast for the camera but a stunning moment to see.

The peace was shattered by a large flock of greylags over-flying the pond.

They circled several times, utterly dominating the sky.

A few minutes later a cormorant glided lazily against the (by now) deep blue sky.

It paused for a few minutes on the water, before taking to the air once again.

A perfect half hour, with a wonderful natural lightshow setting off a fine array of wildlife. It really was quite special.
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Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

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This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. derWandersmann

    24 Nov 2011

    Speechless …

  2. Cynthia23

    24 Nov 2011

    Wow, what a vibrant start to your day! The first picture is really special. I have only seen the day begin like that a few times. It's easy to catch those colors in the sky, but on the ground! Wow, awesome, Words!

  3. gdare

    24 Nov 2011

    Originally posted by derWandersmann:

    Speechless …

    Yes, especially the first one :up:

  4. Words

    25 Nov 2011

    Darko, that first one was the shot., by a long way. 🙂

  5. Words

    25 Nov 2011

    Cynthia, the conditions were perfect. Thick rising mists with the sun just coming up over the Downs. The whole scene transformed from grey/white fog, through the golden moment, to blue skies in about 15 minutes. Magical :wizard:

  6. Words

    25 Nov 2011

    dW, 😀

  7. cakkleberrylane

    25 Nov 2011

    All great shots, but the last one is truly amazing!

  8. Words

    25 Nov 2011

    Lois, thanks! I was quite pleased with the way the wings have a slight blur. It wasn't intentional!

  9. SittingFox

    27 Nov 2011

    Wow! That first shot is perfect :yes:

  10. Mickeyjoe-Irl

    27 Nov 2011

    Stunning.

  11. Words

    27 Nov 2011

    Adele, thanks! I could barely see the detail of what I was shooting, but it was absolutely beautiful for the brief time it lasted.

  12. Words

    27 Nov 2011

    Mick, thanks!

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