Category Archives: Landscape

Pretty Photos

February 7, 2014 by Words | Comments Off

Just three pretty photos, but possibly not what you were expecting from the title.

The first is this pretty group of ducks down at the pond. The sun was just about making its presence known during the day, and though the wind was sharp it was something of a relief to have some temporary respite from the gloom. It won’t last. More rain – and gales – are on the way.

ducks

The second photo is an unusual one for me. A rural landscapewithout any animals in it. This was taken by the fields along Ridge Road, just outside Falmer.

Fields at Falmer

I was watching for buzzards at the time but could only manage a few long range shots.

buzzard

To close, one of the Pretty who usually features. Here she is enjoying a good old stretch along the garden wall.

Fox stretching

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens, apart from the fox which was taken with the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens.

Also posted in Bird of Prey, Farming, Foxes, South Downs National Park Tagged , , , , |

Flying Muscovy (plus misty sunrise)

January 23, 2014 by Words | Comments Off

A post is two parts tonight, the first section comprising a couple of shots taken early this morning as the sun was competing with the mists over the South Downs.

sunrise through mist

At ground level things weren’t so bad… two moorhens racing across the pond (and dodging gulls) as the light filtered through.

Moorhens racing on pond at sunrise

The remainder of the post is a short sequence of that most ungainly of the local water birds, the male Muscovy duck. Looking at him, it’s hard to believe he could possibly fly.

Muscovy duck

But he can, and here’s the proof.

Muscovy duck

Muscovy duck

Muscovy duck

Muscovy duck

Muscovy duck

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

Also posted in sunrise, water birds Tagged , , |

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, water birds Tagged , , , |