Category Archives: water birds

Cormorant on a Misty Morning

March 8, 2017 by Words | 4 Comments

I was at Falmer this morning, and before going into work stopped at the village pond to see what was lurking. The mist was heavy, but a lone cormorant was on patrol. This is a short sequence just before it perched up on the No Fishing sign. They are a little grainy and I had to work to pull out some contrasts, but I liked the sense of movement in the shots. Better weather would be good!

Cormorant at Falmer Pond on a misty day

Cormorant at Falmer Pond on a misty day

Cormorant at Falmer Pond on a misty day

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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Swans and Geese

January 25, 2017 by Words | 4 Comments

Over the past week I’ve been over in Eastbourne a couple of times for work. The beautiful winter mornings have made it well worth making an early start and breaking the drive at Seven Sisters. The swans have been the real stars, but I’ve also enjoyed the flights of geese criss-crossing over the valley. This is a small selection of the way too many photos I’ve taken.

swan

Beautiful light and a very handsome mute swan gliding by. Good start to the day!

swan

Even better when joined by a mate.

swan

A gentle display

swans

Such an elegant pair!

canada geese

Flock of Canada Geese flying over the South Downs National Park

canada geese

Even a proper blue sky with this shot of the geese

canada geese

And one with farmland (and a van) in the background

mute swan

I’ll end with a portrait of one of the swans.

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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5 Fulmars on the 5th

January 5, 2017 by Words | 6 Comments

This is my first post of 2017, so firstly a Happy New Year to everyone. I’m certainly hoping for a smoother year than the one we’ve just had, and with luck a few more photos.

I’m starting the year with five photos of the fabulous Rottingdean fulmars, taken this morning. I can watch these amazing birds for hours as they skim the cliffs and make their numerous attempts to land on the narrow ledges and crannies they call home. Most times they fail (their legs are not built for strength), but they do make it occasionally (assuming they can withstand the onslaught of fulmar-abuse from the current occupants (as you will see).

Fulmar flying along Rottingdean Cliffs, East Sussex

A landing attempt. The current occupant is not happy!

The fulmar retreats (only to try again)

Another fulmar fails to land!

But life can be sweet for fulmars, as this pair show.

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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