Category Archives: Wildlife

Samples of wildlife photography

Goslings at Falmer Pond

May 2, 2014 by Words | 4 Comments

I had a lovely surprise this morning when I arrived at Falmer Pond. The greylags have produced a clutch of goslings. There are eight youngsters and they seem to be doing very well indeed. Here they are sheltering from the drizzle under the safe wing of mother goose.

goslings sheltering under goose

One of the characteristics of geese is that they are very protective of their young. There’s always one or two adults in very close proximity, and often the other geese lend a hand forming a phalanx or circle around the new brood.

goslings

goslings

As the day grew busier the adults sensibly ushered the chicks to the safety of the water. As in previous years the local white goose has adopted the role of protector-in-chief, making sure no harm comes to the babies.

greylag goslings

There’s also been a little more progress on the fox front. We’re still in the lurking stage (the fox hangs back in the undergrowth and I daren’t move), but the fox is slowly becoming more tolerant and curious. To make things slightly easier on myself, I’ve started using a longer lens! This is one from tonight.

fox

Camera note: gosling photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. The fox was photographed with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.

Also posted in Foxes, water birds Tagged , , |

Fighting Moorhens (and an almost bold fox)

May 1, 2014 by Words | 4 Comments

I’ve devoted a good number of recent posts to the admittedly very cute little moorhen chicks. Today though, I’m going to concentrate on the adults. Three of them were engaged in a mass punch-up on the pond (I’m not sure they’re all visible in these shots), the equivalent in moorhen-speak to a deer rut. There’s no doubt that mating rights are the main agenda.

moorhens fighting

moorhens fighting

moorhens fighting

moorhens fighting

I was going to post some photos of the local greylags, but I’ve just enjoyed a moderately successful encounter with one of our garden foxes. He was still acting shy, but did linger for several minutes. Here are two photos. I took a total of seven (very restrained for me), and they were all from 30+ feet away, but it’s a noticeable advancement on previous sightings. The shy fox is almost bold!

fox

fox

Camera note: all moorhen photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. Fox photographed with the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens.

Also posted in Foxes, water birds Tagged , |

Signs of Summer

April 29, 2014 by Words | 4 Comments

It still feels chilly, but there are promising signs of summer all about.

There are young rabbits, out in the fields and in the seclusion of the local churchyard. This family actually lives under the church at Falmer.

family of rabbits

The moorhen chicks are venturing further afield, and are now happily exploring the banks of the pond. They still pause every now to eat, which keeps the adults occupied as they maintain a watchful eye over their hungry brood.

Moorhen chick

There are other signs as well, most obviously the welcome arrival of two migrant species: house martins and swallows. The swifts cannot be far behind.

The house martins are already repairing – and preparing – their nests.

House martin in nest

The swallows are are also busy, but in their case it seems to be food that is the initial priority.

Swallows flying over Falmer Pond

Swallows flying over Falmer Pond

Swallows flying over Falmer Pond

One piece of uncertain news. The female Muscovy duck hasn’t been seen for a week or so. The male is still around and seems perfectly content as you can see here. He was waiting for the visitors with food to arrive! The female may be hidden away on the island in the centre of Falmer pond, but it’s possible she’s fallen prey to one of the various predators. The smaller of the white ducks is also missing. 🙁

Male Muscovy duck on gate

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

Also posted in Birds, rabbit, water birds Tagged , , , , |