Just a few shots from today's visit to the beach, starting with a lone little egret which was feeding down on one of the more deserted areas of beach.
Now the egret is unmissable, the white plumage and size of the bird meaning that if you see it, you really see it. Much more difficult to spot is this next bird. It's small, and blends in perfectly with the scrub which runs along the top of the beach. I was fortunate that it decided to climb on to a pebble. It got a better view, and so did I 🙂
While we were watching the sea birds, a flock of starlings took to the air. A quick scan of the horizon showed the reason for their sudden movement:
That was actually the second sparrowhawk of the day (it seems to be a good time of year for them). This one came in rather closer over the garden this morning, sending flocks of pigeons into alarm mode.
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
Dudley
9 Sep 2008Great shot of the Rock Pipit
zetorres
9 Sep 2008Fantastic Rock Pipit! :up:
Words
9 Sep 2008Andy, I was pleased with that one! It took a while to identify as its legs are usually a bit darker (more grey).
Words
9 Sep 2008Thanks Ze!
SittingFox
9 Sep 2008Lovely shots of the hawk (as always!) and the rock pipit, but egrets always catch my eye. They're so perfectly graceful. Weird to think that just a few years ago they were considered rare sightings!
Words
9 Sep 2008The egret was a delight to see. It was slightly too far off for a decent shot but I was happy to see it there (as I now know where to look, though that can sometimes be a thankless task).
cakkleberrylane
10 Sep 2008Great shots!!
Words
10 Sep 2008Thanks Lois!
Ukwildlife
12 Sep 2008Great set of photos of a nice selection of birds
Words
12 Sep 2008Thanks Neil!
Cynthia23
12 Sep 2008Awesome photography!
Words
13 Sep 2008Thanks Cynthia!
Vulpes vulpes
28 Sep 2008Re Rock Pipit…well spotted!!
Words
28 Sep 2008Vuples, thanks!