The beginning of the week always seems to bring changes, and today was no different. Down at the pond the fish were the story of the day. They were in a frenzy of activity, pairs and small groups of carp thrashing around near the bank, and the occasional leaper out in the centre of the pond. I'm not at all sure why they were behaving like this. Lack of oxygen in the water is one theory, but although it's a little late in the season I suspect this is part of their mating behaviour. It was too widespread, too many groups in too many parts of the pond and in the morning which is typical for mating carp, to really be anything else; and the pond is quite healthy.
That was the morning. Lunchtime brought a second surprise, and a very pretty one. There's a new family of ducklings on the pond. I counted 11 of them, and they were being carefully herded around by watchful parents.
Finally, a very quick sequence of three consecutive frames showing two of the fox cubs about an hour ago.
Camera note: all pond photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. Foxes photographed with the EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens.
derWandersmann
19 Jun 2012Wow! very interesting!
SittingFox
19 Jun 2012What a clutch of ducklings!
As for the cub nipping its sibling in the second photo… :bandit:
derWandersmann
19 Jun 2012I can't quite imagine them quarreling over peanuts, but those bigger things seem to be a little scarcer. They look like a manufactured dog treat over here, called "Bonz". My dog really loved them.
Words
20 Jun 2012Adele, I love that fox cub shot. They put on a good show last night.
Words
20 Jun 2012dW, we call them 'Markies', and yes they are dog biscuits. They were probably the main target, but fox cubs fight over anything and everything.
Words
20 Jun 2012dW, thanks! It was much quieter again today. It was interesting to watch the fish. It wasn't something I'd seen before.
gdare
20 Jun 2012Wow, big carps in that pond :up:
Words
20 Jun 2012Darko, they are pretty big. No fishing allowed and the herons pick off smaller fry. The carp do well. 🙂