Category Archives: Birds

Rat Scrap at Falmer Pond

July 2, 2015 by Words | 4 Comments

It was quiet at the pond today… overcast and a lot cooler than yesterday when we had record July temperatures. The rats are pretty visible at the moment and I spotted some mixing it with the ducks at the edge of the pond.

rat and ducks

A rat looking for seeds surrounded by ducks

rat and ducks

Rat number two joins in.

rat fight

Fight time! I didn’t see that coming! The ducks enjoy a ringside view.

rat fight

Full flip!

rat fight

And over!

Later, when things had calmed down…

Rat in a drainpipe

Rat in a drainpipe

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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Sandwich Lunch at Rottingdean

July 1, 2015 by Words | 4 Comments

Not just any sandwich, but a small flight of sandwich terns enjoying the hottest day of the year down at Rottingdean. It was their calls that first caught my attention, a distinctive sound among the shrieking of the gulls. There were maybe a dozen or so, flying circuits and diving to the sea after fish.

I wasn’t able to get nearly close enough for anything to spectacular, but these may give an idea of the action.

Sandwich tern

Sandwich tern

Sandwich tern

Sandwich tern

Sandwich tern

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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Collared Doves Bathing

June 25, 2015 by Words | 4 Comments

These shots were a struggle. The collared doves were paddling at the edge of the pond under overhanging trees, and my line to them was obscured by numerous branches. It forced me low (which is good), and with patience I managed about three usable photos in which the birds weren’t hiding behind some or other bit of vegetation.

Collared dove

Collared doves bathing in Falmer Pond

Collared dove

Collared dove

The heron is becoming semi-resident. There first thing this morning, and again (or still) at lunchtime.

Grey Heron

Grey heron at Falmer Pond, East Sussex

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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