I left home in bright sunshine today. The mists were hanging low in the valleys, which offered some spectacular views of the Downs until I was engulfed by the thick fog. Visibility was next to nothing. Thankfully the mists had cleared by lunchtime, and life at the pond was much as usual. it was warm and sunny, and the rats were at play.
These shots were taken along the bank of the pond, which is now several yards from the water. The roots of the small trees and plants are clearly visible and made an ideal climbing frame for these young rats.
While I was taking these shots, a substantial flock of swallows was swarming overhead. They’re leaving it late this year for their flight to Africa, but it means they’ll be well fed before they set off. Here’s one sweeping over the water.
The closing shot is another rat, standing in the shallow water at the edge of the pond. It was lurking beneath some overhanging branches in a secluded part of the pond, and the light reflecting from the water made it difficult to see among the shadows. The shot was taken blind.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
