I was out at Castle Hill, a local nature reserve, early this morning. I was killing a little bit of time before going to fix a friend’s computer, but the early start was more than a little rewarding. It was cold, but sunny and I had only gone a short way along the path when I noticed a familiar shape sitting out by the edge of the gorse.

I managed to get a little closer, but not much. This is the best of the shots.

I’ve seen numerous raptors along the path on previous visits, but had no luck with them today. The smaller birds were busy though including this unidentified bird with a beak-full of insects. I’d welcome a suggested i.d.

Whitethroats I can recognize, though this is the first time I’ve managed to photograph one in flight.

And here’s a more conventional shot of one perched in an adjoining rape field.

Next up (literally) is a bird I can identify as easily by its song as by sight. It’s a skylark.

Down at ground level a small flock of starlings were feasting on worms and grubs.

Two more photos to close today’s blog. Both are foxes, both were taken in the garden. They’re both exceptionally badly composed as well! The first one was taken through the window this afternoon. I think it may well be the male fox I’ve photographed several times at night recently.

This is definitely the vixen, taken tonight.

And in case you’re interested, I did manage to fix the computer. All in all a successful day.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens with the exception of the final photo of the vixen which was with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.