Author Archives: Words

Water Rat plus some time on the farm

The rats are becoming ever more elusive as the water level rises, but they are nothing if not adaptable and I spotted this one today perched on a thick branch overhanging the water. I had to struggle to gain a clear line of sight to it through all the overhanging branches. These are the best I could do.

Rat

Rat

This final shot of the rat gives a better idea of its location. Its taken directly into the sun bouncing of the water’s surface.

rat

Those were this morning. Later in the day I went out to the fields where the sheep were forming an orderly queue as the farmer arrived with their feed.

Sheep

Over head a small flock of fieldfares gave warning of cold weather to come.

Fieldfares

Fieldfare

A pony snuggled down in the weak sunshine…

pony

And somewhere in this photo there’s a fox. Can you find it. I didn’t see it until I was processing the pictures. The animals at the top of the photos are horses… that’s the only clue.

horses and fox

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

Posted in Birds, Farming, Foxes, horse, Sheep, South Downs National Park Tagged , , , , |

More from the Pond

After yesterday’s cormorant fest I thought I’d take a look at some of the other birds that brighten up the pond at this time of year. The first couple of photos were taken yesterday, the rest are from today.

Few birds make more of a mark than this extravagant and noisy Muscovy drake.

Muscovy duck

The more common mallards are there as well, but they sometimes need the help of lighting to really look their best. This is an early morning shot of a female mallard.

Mallard

Winter is on its way and the black-headed gulls having discarded their summer plumage (the black head) and are now dressed for the season.

Black-headed gulls

The collared doves just ruffle their feathers to get in the seasonal mood.

Collared doves

And in case you were wondering, the cormorant is still there; and still laying claim to the prime location on the pond.

Cormorant

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

Posted in Birds, water birds Tagged , , , , |

Cormorant on No Fishing Sign

Today started perfectly. Beautiful early morning sunshine, next to no wind, and a cormorant who likes nothing more than to pose for the camera.

He’s spotted me, and here he comes 😉

Cormorant

Cormorant

This is where he was heading…

Gull - No Fishing

The gull knew that discretion is the better part of valour and beat a retreat.

Cormorant

Cormorant

Cormorant

And sorted…

Cormorant on No Fishing Sign

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

Posted in water birds Tagged , |