A beautiful sunny winter’s day, and for the first time in a while I was able to enjoy it at lunchtime. All these shots were taken within 15 metres of my office (I was feeling lazy, but it worked out well). And it’s fitting to have some of our local workplace wildlife featured in a week when the University of Brighton was ranked 2nd in the national People and Planet University league.

The day started with a lively chiffchaff singing just outside my window. I didn’t manage a good photo of that, but later on when I was able to get outside I spent some time watching a squirrel in the same tree.

Grey squirrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Grey squirrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

I was distracted from the squirrel by a kestrel flying in low across the car park. It hovered for a while and then perched at the top of the tallest building on the campus. It remained in the vicinity for much of the rest of the day, and I’m hopeful that it’s considering taking up residence here. That would be nice!

Kestrel flying over Watts Bank

Kestrel hovering

Kestrel on the edge of Watts Bank (yes I messed up the settings as it dropped so quickly… but I like the effect)

The same kestrel high on the Watts Building

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