Category Archives: Birds

Back to Falmer Wildlife

January 6, 2014 by Words | 4 Comments

Well the New Year break is over and it was back to work today which includes my early morning stop at Falmer pond. The water level has risen significantly since I was last here and the No Fishing sign is barely showing above the water. No cormorants today to pose on it.

No Fishing sign

I headed back to the pond at lunchtime. The ground is sodden so it was a matter of picking my way along the boundary road and carefully navigating across the grass banks. If the rains continue I will probably need waders! Naturally some of the local wildlife doesn’t mind a bit of water.

Moorhen

Moorhen

On slightly drier land a young magpie was pecking around for seed.

Magpie

As for the rats, I was surprised to see that despite the absurdly high water level they were still managing to find runs along the edge of the pond, though increasingly they are taking to the water to get around.

rat swimming

The aim of course is to find somewhere dry, like the exposed roots of a tree…

rat in tree roots

Or a handily placed rock…

rat on rock

Just occasionally they even ventured up on to the sodden grass.

rat on grass bank

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

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Oystercatchers at Rottingdean

January 4, 2014 by Words | 2 Comments

I went down to the Rottingdean cliffs early this morning, before the rains arrived. The wind was blowing a near gale and the Undercliff walk was treacherous with waves crashing over the sea defences. It wasn’t a day for venturing along there with the camera.

Rough seas during a gale at Rottingdean

Rough seas during a gale at Rottingdean

Rough seas during a gale at Rottingdean

There is a small area of pebble beach nestling between the stone groynes where things are a little calmer on days like this, even with the tide at a seasonal high. A small group of oystercatchers were sheltering on the pebbles, and picking among them for scraps of food.

Oystercatcher

Oystercatcher

A pair were bold enough to venture out into the surf.

Oystercatcher

And then away… perhaps to find somewhere a little less exposed to the elements.

Oystercatcher

Oystercatcher

Oystercatcher

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

Also posted in coastal, Landscape, water birds Tagged , , , |

Fulmars and Pipits at Rottingdean

December 29, 2013 by Words | 2 Comments

There’s more rain forecast over the coming days, but today started beautifully. The blue skies were back, and – for the time of year – it was mild. I headed down to Rottingdean early this morning.

The tide was in, but the early boats were already out enjoying the relative calm.

Sea at Rottingdean

But it wasn’t boats I was there to see; it was fulmars, and a number were skirting the cliffs.

Fulmar

Fulmar

Fulmar

One or two had found nesting spots, which is the real reason they’re here at this time of year.

Fulmar

Closer to ground level, the little rock pipits were also enjoying the milder weather. These bold little birds often hop down to the walkway, but this one had found a tasty feast on the lower face of the cliffs.

rock pipit

rock pipit

rock pipit

Back home, Pretty is still flying the fox flag in the garden.

fox

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

Also posted in coastal, Foxes, water birds Tagged , , , |