Category Archives: Wildlife

Samples of wildlife photography

More Watts House Wildlife

I’m beginning to enjoy my new location. I’m not getting nearly so many photos, but I’m learning to be patient and it is paying off. These are few more sightings at Watts Bank, to rear of Watts House on the main Lewes Road going into Brighton.

First up is a slow worm. Now this did take some searching out and I only found it because I know the places they are likely to be lurking (clue: look under things).

Slow worm on Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Slow worm on Watts Bank, University of Brighton

That’s not a great shot (I only had the long lens, and the light was dreadful). This isn’t the best either, mainly due to the distance and a bog crop. It’s a female black cap in the wooded fringe to the bank. The location is pretty much inaccessible so I may well not get anything better, but it’s good enough to document the local species.

Female black cap on Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Female black cap on Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Third up is another small bird – a chiffchaff. I’ve already spotted these before. This one was just the other side of my window so was taken through double-glazing.

Chiffchaff on Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Chiffchaff on Watts Bank, University of Brighton

The star sighting though was a buzzard coming in low over the car park. I’ve seen them before, but not had a chance to photograph them here. The gulls soon saw this one off.

Buzzard over Watts House, University of Brighton

Buzzard over Watts House, University of Brighton

Buzzard over Watts House, University of Brighton

Buzzard over Watts House, University of Brighton

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

Also posted in Bird of Prey, Birds, slow worm Tagged , , , |

Grey Squirrel

A seasonally dull day today, gloomy with a hint of drizzle in the air. A grey day, so here’s a grey squirrel spotted on a tree at the edge of the campus. The first three photos taken at ISO 1600; the final one at ISO 3200.

Grey squirrel peeking through the branches

Grey squirrel peeking through the branches

Now this one really is grey...

Now this one really is grey…

Black and white portrait of a grey squirrel

Black and white portrait of a grey squirrel

Looking straight atcha!

Looking straight atcha!

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

Also posted in squirrel Tagged |

Kestrel at Watts House Part 2

Today I didn’t go wandering, but spent an hour waiting for the kestrel to come to me. And, wow, didn’t it just. These were taken on Watts Bank, to the rear of Watts House at the University of Brighton.

This looks like a mature bird, a female… and it put on a great display. Enjoy!

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel on lighting rig outside Watts House, University of Brighton

Kestrel on lighting rig outside Watts House, University of Brighton

Kestrel on lighting rig outside Watts House, University of Brighton

Kestrel on lighting rig outside Watts House, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts House, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts House, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

Kestrel at Watts Bank, University of Brighton

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