We spent yesterday at Wakehurst Place. It's always a good spot for an easy day out with the camera. The lake and ponds ensure there's always some wildlife to see, and the gardens and woodland walks are spectacular. The stars were undoubtedly the ducklings (not an ugly one in sight 😉 ), but there were a few surprises as well.
Those were taken mainly by the ornamental pond near the front of the gardens. There were also pheasants (Mr and Mrs), and down in the bird hide at the bottom of the valley, overlooking one of the lakes, what was for me a relatively rare sighting of some grey wagtails.
It was towards the latter part of the visit, when we had returned for a 'last look' at the ducklings that the big surprise revealed itself. I was watching the young moorhens hopping across the lily pads. I took this shot, and as I did I noticed something interesting, but out of focus, in the foreground.
I refocused and got this.
Grass snake
Yes, it's a grass snake. I only managed a couple of frames before the moorhen, with the true curiosity of the young, took a quick peck at it and watched the snake slide into the safety of the water. I hadn't realized that they were good swimmers (they are), and often to be found near water. I do now!
Lastly, here's a short tutorial on how to approach a hedgehog. I had a young helper with me to demonstrate :whistle:
Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.
13 Comments
The ducklings are so sweet :love: like all the babies…
And a great capture of the moorhen and the grasssnake :up:
Nice photos but a movie was a real fun 😆 Never touch a hedgehog with a nose :insane:
Wow nice Ducklings they are late being born, very good you caught a snake too :yes:
Aww to the ducklings, and the last two photos are excellent! Not seen a grass snake this year 🙁
That is a great photo of the snake! :yes:
The fox and the hedgehog…what I can say. One stab in the nose from a spine would be enough for most animals, but foxes always seem to optimistically believe that the next time it won't hurt so much! 😉
Anna, thanks! The ducklings were cute, but I was most pleased with the snake.
Neil, thanks. The snake was tucked just out of sight of the main viewing point, so I doubt anyone else saw it. A complete surprise.
Mark, it does seem late for the duckling. I don't know enough about them, but maybe a second brood. The snake made my day!
Darko, thanks! I just hope the fox cub has medical insurance :right:
Adele, thanks! As for the fox cub, maybe he'll learn after that final jab!
😆
Thanks Erwin!
Beautiful