The weather has cooled considerably over the past few days. The light was odd. Not good (dull enough to force me up to ISO 800), but not that washed out light that kills all the colour. I visited the pond in the morning and, yes, the ducklings are still there and still fine.
The moorhens are still nest-sitting, and out in an adjacent field a pair of ducks were lurking in the long grass, along with a rabbit.
The smaller birds were noisy, and a thrush was looking unduly glum. Clearly not the early bird (that has to have been a blackbird).
At lunchtime I headed to the fields. The pheasants and partridges were mingling with the sheep. This is a red-legged partridge, taken from too far away and again in less than ideal light.
Further along the footpath the skylarks were singing brightly. I caught this one as it spiralled down to earth. 
As for the garden, I was granted a very special treat this evening… a badger. It was small for a badger and very shy, tolerating my presence only long enough for a single photo.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens, except the badger which was photographed with the EF70-300mm 4.5-5.6 DO IS lens.
RobinL
14 Apr 2011Words, what a great day you had! I really like the shot of the ducklings. The badger shot is great too. A fine looking fellow, or girl, whichever the case may be!
cakkleberrylane
14 Apr 2011A day to envy!! What beatiful photos! And a very special one of the badger!
SittingFox
14 Apr 2011*Any* photo of a badger is awesome, and that one is great! :yes:
gdare
14 Apr 2011That badger looks great, I have never seen one in "real" life. You are so privileged :up:
Words
16 Apr 2011Adele, I have to admit to being pleased with that photo, not least for getting the camera just high enough – and being patient enough waiting for it to move forward – to avoid the shrub.
Words
16 Apr 2011Darko, I have to admit that seeing badgers is always a thrill. They are so unlike anything else we ever see here.
Words
16 Apr 2011Lois, thanks. Badgers are so shy, and so aware of whose around that it's always a treat to photograph one.
Words
16 Apr 2011Robin, thanks. I liked the duckling shot because of the over exposure on the water… it just drifts out of the picture. Not sure about the sex of the badger, but possibly a young one from last year by the look of it.
Mickeyjoe-Irl
19 Apr 2011Those two ducks seem to be wondering
😀
Words
19 Apr 2011LOL!
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Beautiful