Author Archives: Words

This Heron Knows How to Pose

The local heron (there is just) one has been a very consistent sight at Falmer Pond recently, and I caught him this morning perched on the willow situated on the central island. This is a bird who knows how to pose for a picture.

Grey heron posing

The Thoughtful Punk

Grey heron posing

The Dive

Grey heron posing

Just Preening

Grey heron posing

Looking Up

Grey heron posing

Excuse me while I tidy up

(And apologies for some website glitches… I hope to have them resolved in a few days.)

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

Posted in water birds Tagged |

Moorhen Chicks

After a wet weekend, today was only a little better; but a little is enough and it was fine enough for two young moorhens to be out exploring the island set in the middle of Falmer Pond. The island is a good spot for them to be raised, safe from at least some predators who generally lurk near the fringes and banks of the pond.

Moorhen chicks on the island at Falmer Pond

Moorhen chicks and attendant adult on the island at Falmer Pond

Moorhen chicks on the island at Falmer Pond

Moorhen chicks being fed

Moorhen chicks on the island at Falmer Pond

Moorhen chicks down by the water’s edge

Moorhen chicks on the island at Falmer Pond

Moorhen chicks racing on the island at Falmer Pond

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

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Rats at Falmer

It’s been a little while since I featured the local rodents who live in the banks of Falmer Pond. It’s a good habitat for them, with plenty of cover, nice, easy runs along the banks, and a steady supply of food courtesy of the local duck-feeders. This being Brighton, seed is more common than bread.

Anyway, here are several of the local rats…

The 'evil' face  of the rat in its run

The ‘evil’ face of the rat in its run

Rat clambering on to the grassy bank of Falmer Pond

Rat clambering on to the grassy bank of Falmer Pond

Rat tucking into bird seed at Falmer Pond

Rat tucking into bird seed at Falmer Pond

Rat running through undergrowth at Falmer Pond

Rat scampering through undergrowth at Falmer Pond

Rat running through undergrowth at Falmer Pond

Rat running through undergrowth at Falmer Pond

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

Posted in rats Tagged |