Category Archives: water birds

Moorhens Enjoy a Private Moment

I feel in need of posting something and this short sequence of a pair of moorhens enjoying sharing a, shall we say, private moment fits the bill. They were under some overhanging branches at the edge of Falmer pond. I was watching out for house martins swooping down to the pond, but struggling to keep up with them. This pair were altogether easier to photograph.

moorhens mating

moorhens mating

moorhens mating

Moorhens mating at Falmer Pond

Moorhens are ‘rails’, as is the slightly larger coot. This one looks in need of a mate, but made a fine portrait.

coot

Coot at Falmer Pond

I’m keeping this brief but couldn’t not post this shot of a dog that was cooling down in the pond. Not that it should have been there; but it was hot from a car ride (so I was told) and was keeping clear of wildlife, so no harm done.

dog swimming

Dog swimming 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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Lots of Cuteness!

Summer is here (storm clouds threatened for tomorrow, but I can live with that). Anyway, today I took some proper time to watch the local youngsters… house martins and herring gulls.

These are a couple of the young martins, snug in their nest. There are several of these under the eaves of the row of cottages at Falmer.

house martin chicks

House martin chicks

house martin chicks

house martin chicks

One of the adult house martins on a flint wall below the roof.

The real local characters though are the young herring gulls. There are small clutches all over the roofs at work, but these two are in my favourite spot (by the car park), and are just hitting that stage where they look faintly absurd!

herring gull chick

I do art impressions: The Scream

Herring gull chicks

Herring gull chicks

Herring gull chicks

And the adults always keep a watchful eye on them.

Herring gull chicks

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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Buzzard and Herring Gull

There’s a lot of this going on the skies above Sussex at the moment. The buzzards are up high, enjoying the summer thermals and the herring gulls are in their most dedicated defence mode (young chicks to protect). The result? buzzards being chased all over the skies. These shots were taken early this morning.

buzzard and herring gull

Buzzard being chased or mobbed by a herring gull

buzzard and herring gull

buzzard and herring gull

buzzard and herring gull

And here’s one of the vulnerable chicks 😉

Herring gull chick

One bonus photo for tonight as I always enjoy seeing the Painted Ladies arrive from Europe. The butterfly that is. Not many around yet, but if the weather holds this could be a good year for butterflies.

Painted Lady Butterfly

Painted Lady Butterfly

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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