Author Archives: Words

Badger Bonus

March 23, 2015 by Words | 2 Comments

Having just posted about sunsets, we looked outside and spotted one of the local badgers roaming around the garden. I’ve plenty of trail camera stills but it’s been some time since I’ve attempted to get any proper photos of them. It seemed very at ease, so I gave it a go. I took a couple of shots with a 100mm lens, and then switched to the 200mm (which meant I could stay a little further away).

The badger was cautious, but cooperated for several minutes before ambling away.

Badger in the garden

Badger in the garden

Badger in the garden

Badger in the garden

I can see I’m going to be spending more time outside in the coming evenings.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.

Posted in Badger Tagged |

Sunset over Woodingdean

March 22, 2015 by Words | 2 Comments

Sunset

Sunset

Sunset over North Woodingdean

 

Click on the images to enlarge. Both taken this evening. There was a brief gap in heavy cloud which lit up a gorgeous sunset strip of red and gold.

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 Sunset, Wildlife Tagged |

Rat Population at Falmer Pond

March 21, 2015 by Words | 2 Comments

It seems the rats have been breeding down by Falmer Pond. The young ones were out in force today, closely monitored by the adults (which may explain why they’ve become bolder recently in hunting down the food left for the ducks and geese).

Family of rats

The two adults, with three young rats. I’m sure there are more.

Two young rats

Two of the young rats exploring.

There were more rats just along from where I took those shots. These ones were down by the edge of the water.

rat by the water

rat by the water

Swimming rat

rat by the water

Others had taken to the heights 😉

rat in tree

Rat in a tree.

The young ones are also learning to climb (just a little bit).

young rats in tree

Young rats on tree roots.

The local population of rats fluctuates through the year, and I have seen them in these numbers before; but clearly too many rats can be a problem which is not helped by the continual duck feeding that goes on several times a day. That’s something that ultimately may need to be controlled. Meanwhile, I’ll photograph them. They do make great subjects and I do find them very entertaining to watch.

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, Wildlife Tagged |