To make a change from all the snow, which is still lingering on the hills, I went down to the coast at Rottingdean today. A few of the usual suspects were there, plus some less common birds. Among the regulars are the fulmars. I liked this image of a nesting pair.
Less usual was that they were also resting out on the calm surface of the sea. 
There was another small flock on the water, and these definitely count as 'unusual': great crested grebes. It's the first time I've seen them at sea. They were a long way out. Not a great shot, but you can just about make them out here.
The next shot is also a bit iffy, but it's a great image for comparing the size of a herring gull and a kestrel. This was taken at the top of the cliffs at Telscombe Tye.
Back down at sea level, the wading birds were in evidence. There were oystercatchers…
The stars though were the ringed plovers. A small number were busy feeding as the tide started to retreat.
One last shot today. It's a diversion from my usual subjects. It's a pair of local cats which raced through the garden this morning and ended up on a neighbouring roof. 
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
gdare
13 Feb 2012Is that gull chasing a kestrel?
😆 at local lolcats 😀
Words
13 Feb 2012Erwin, thanks!
Words
13 Feb 2012Darko, yes the gull is seeing the kestrel off. This happens all the time! Glad you liked the cats.
gdare
14 Feb 2012Yesterday we've seen herring gulls attacking osprey – or golden eagle, we were not sure. It was a big bird but I guess gulls are bigger bullies 😛
Words
14 Feb 2012Darko, wow, that must have been great to see! Gulls and crows are always attacking raptors. It seems to be a hobby with them.
gdare
15 Feb 2012About two months ago I saw two bald eagles having some kind of fight. After a couple of minutes they parted, one of them obviously defeated, wanted to escape. As if they were just waiting for that, few gulls attacked a winner. Strange birds :doh:
Words
16 Feb 2012Birds are quite crazy at times!
SittingFox
19 Feb 2012The cat contest is great! I've never seen grebes at sea either. Guess the cold conditions forced them to seek out salt water environments.
Words
19 Feb 2012Adele, I wondered about the cold weather and freeze causing the grebes out. It makes sense, though I presume they need fresh water to drink.
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Very nice shots….:up: