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.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
12 Comments
Maybe that crab played dead to fool gulls :devil: 😆
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:
Darko, it wouldn't be the first creature to play dead to escape a predator. 😉
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!
Erwin, thanks! It was nice to get down there in the morning.
Awesome photos! Really your talent of understanding light is fantastic! :up:
The upside down Crab must be from Australia………………! 😆 nice photos.
Mark, LOL!
Cynthia, thanks. I'm a slow learner, but do watch out for tips from far better photographers. It helps.
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
Neil, thanks! I'm sure both crabs would agree if they could 😉
Interesting shots also beautiful :up: