Tag Archives: fulmar

Brent Geese and Fulmars at Rottingdean

Apr
03
2018
by Words | 2 Comments

These are a few shots taken at Rottingdean cliffs this morning. The weather was threatening – but never delivering – some sunshine, so the light was imperfect. There are still some fulmars nesting in the cliffs. I’ve not been there frequently enough to judge whether the small numbers are a real reduction on previous years as the time of day and weather (and sea) can make a difference to how many hug the cliffs.

fulmar

Fulmar nesting at Rottingdean Cliffs, East Sussex

fulmar and jackdaws

Fulmar with two jackdaws in the background. Jackdaws are possibly the most dominant cliff dwellers.

fulmar

Fulmar in flight

The tide was out so I kept my eye open for waders (we see lots of oystercatchers along the coast). I was out of luck with them, but a very distant flock caught my eye as it skimmed the sea between Brighton Marina and Saltdean. I think these are Brent Geese. They are winter visitors and probably just beginning their summer migration away from the UK.

Brent geese

Flock of Brent Geese off the coastline at Rottingdean, East Sussex

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

5 Fulmars on the 5th

Jan
05
2017
by Words | 6 Comments

This is my first post of 2017, so firstly a Happy New Year to everyone. I’m certainly hoping for a smoother year than the one we’ve just had, and with luck a few more photos.

I’m starting the year with five photos of the fabulous Rottingdean fulmars, taken this morning. I can watch these amazing birds for hours as they skim the cliffs and make their numerous attempts to land on the narrow ledges and crannies they call home. Most times they fail (their legs are not built for strength), but they do make it occasionally (assuming they can withstand the onslaught of fulmar-abuse from the current occupants (as you will see).

Fulmar flying along Rottingdean Cliffs, East Sussex

A landing attempt. The current occupant is not happy!

The fulmar retreats (only to try again)

Another fulmar fails to land!

But life can be sweet for fulmars, as this pair show.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

Catching Up – Variety Post

Apr
08
2016
by Words | 2 Comments

I’ve become consistently inconsistent in my posting, partly due to fewer opportunities to spend time out with the camera but also because I am becoming a touch more picky about what I do post. Anyway, here’s a selection from the first week of April (8 days a week?)

I spotted this skylark on a fencepost at Sheepcote Valley on my way in to work.

April 1st – I spotted this skylark on a fencepost at Sheepcote Valley on my way in to work.

Kestrels over Moulsecoomb, Brighton

Lunchtime – a pair of Kestrels over Moulsecoomb, University of Brighton

The first photo of a fox in the garden for quite some time. I was pleased despite the poor angle.

April 3rd – The first photo of a fox in the garden for quite some time. I was pleased despite the poor angle.

Nicked-ear fox

April 4th – another encounter with a garden fox

Yellowhammer

April 7th – a very pretty Yellowhammer at Sheepcote Valley

Today - a Fulmar at Rottingdean Cliffs

Today – a Fulmar at Rottingdean Cliffs, taken at lunchtime

Short-eared owl

And after several missed attempts, a short-eared owl this morning at Sheepcote Valley, Brighton

short-eared owl

Final shot for today – one of the owls flying over the edge of the golf course.

Camera note: all daytime photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens. Fox taken with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.