Early Morning at Rottingdean

The main garden activity last night (Monday) was in the small hours when all three of the regular foxes turned up. I missed them (the trail cam didn't), so instead of a family of foxes, or indeed more slugs and snails, today's post is a more conventional walk along Rottingdean Beach.

The tide was out this morning; almost too far out, as most of the bird activity was in the distance across moderately treacherous rock pools. There are, however, a few places where it's relatively easy to get to the water's edge and that's where I took these shots of a young sandwich tern.

Easier to spot are the crabs and smaller crustaceans which are abandoned in pools by the retreating tide. This one seems to be upside down :confused:

Possibly better than being airborne 😉

Among the less regular sightings at Rottingdean are herons. I do see them occasionally, but the larger gulls tend to chase them off. This heron was beating a retreat from a black-backed gull (just out of shot)!

The final two shots for today are of another pair of birds competing for air space. This time one of the innumerable jackdaws was seeing off a kestrel.


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Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

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This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. gdare

    14 Sep 2010

    Maybe that crab played dead to fool gulls :devil: 😆

  2. SittingFox

    14 Sep 2010

    Interesting to see the size comparison between the jackdaw and the kestrel. I don't think I've ever seen them interacting (but we don't have as many kestrels as you do!)

    I really must get down to Rottingdean again. I used to walk Kelly there quite often, so I suppose I should introduce Khamsin to the area sooner rather than later :right:

  3. Words

    15 Sep 2010

    Darko, it wouldn't be the first creature to play dead to escape a predator. 😉

  4. Words

    15 Sep 2010

    Adele, the kestrels are always a nice surprise at Rottingdean, though I often see them on the street lamps on my way down there. The jackdaws are always around and compete with the gulls to see who can make the most noise. Khamsin would love it!

  5. Words

    15 Sep 2010

    Erwin, thanks! It was nice to get down there in the morning.

  6. Cynthia23

    16 Sep 2010

    Awesome photos! Really your talent of understanding light is fantastic! :up:

  7. Flying Red Fox Blog

    16 Sep 2010

    The upside down Crab must be from Australia………………! 😆 nice photos.

  8. Words

    16 Sep 2010

    Mark, LOL!

  9. Words

    16 Sep 2010

    Cynthia, thanks. I'm a slow learner, but do watch out for tips from far better photographers. It helps.

  10. Ukwildlife

    3 Oct 2010

    Nice photos – I dont think the upsidedown crab is much better off than the seagull if you get me drift…

    Sandwich tides are a nice find

  11. Words

    4 Oct 2010

    Neil, thanks! I'm sure both crabs would agree if they could 😉

  12. Wulpen

    19 Oct 2012

    Interesting shots also beautiful :up:

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