One of the less familiar faces in the garden is the squirrel. I do see them every now and then, but usually they are skittish and sightings are brief. Also they tend to 'hang out' on the bird feeder which is usually in deep shade. Today, however, one particularly greedy specimen decided that a peanut was indeed equal to the price of a photograph.
This afternoon brought a different kind of surprise. We'd headed out to one of the local walks (Castle Hill), an area of scientific interest. It's renowned for butterflies and wild flowers. I've been there before, but as we entered one of the valleys I looked up to the brow of the Downs and to my amazement a string of kestrels were out hunting. There were at least six or seven in the air, a veritable flock. I'm used to seeing two or three together, but have never seen quite such a gathering. I presume there were young kestrels among the adults. Plus, it turns out when I checked back on the photos, one was actually a sparrowhawk :doh:
It was impossible to get close (believe me I tried) as part of the area is fenced off for conservation, but I was able to get several group shots and some long distance hunting activity.
Three kestrels
Hovering kestrel
Gliding kestrel
I will definitely have to head back there again when I get the chance, and try to find a route that takes me to the top of the valley for a better vantage point.
The other sighting of interest was as we were heading back. I noticed some pigeons take off from a field, but my attention fixed on the birds that stayed put and 'ran' deeper into cover. I'm fairly sure these are red-legged partridges. These are an introduced species but now moderately common in the south east (though not that easy to spot!)
Red-legged partridge
As for the foxes, well there were three in the garden last night at various times. Bold (of course) plus Stumpy and a brief visit by the cub. Short clips below.
Camera note: the squirrels were photographed with a new lens, the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM. Not only one of the lowest priced L lenses (relatively speaking), but razor sharp even when wide open. The kestrels birds were all photographed with the EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.
sprogger
27 Aug 2009Beautiful colors on the squirrel
Words
28 Aug 2009Sprogger thanks! I was really pleased with the way the colours came out, especially as there's fairly heavy shade in that corner of the garden.
sprogger
28 Aug 2009Ya it can be troublesome in the deep shade.
gdare
28 Aug 2009Squirrel looks excellent, clear with a lot of details :up:
Words
28 Aug 2009Darko, thanks.
SittingFox
28 Aug 2009Ah, it's getting into the busy season for squirrels again 🙂 But how amazing to see so many kestrels together!
Yes, those are definitely red-legged partridges, and I agree that they're not easy to find in the south-east. They're more common (or at least more obvious) in Norfolk.
Words
28 Aug 2009I'd heard about a ridge where kestrels hover in large numbers, but hadn't been able to locate it previously. Now I know where it is I just have to find a way to get up to the top of the ridge. Part of it may be restricted access, but I'm sure the kestrels wander beyond any artificial boundaries.
The partridges were a good spot! I love those moments where you see something that's in view for less than a handful of seconds. So easy to miss, but so rewarding.
Ukwildlife
29 Aug 2009Thats a lot of kestrels in one area. And the partridges are a nice bonus. As for the squirrels, we've actually managed to 100% squirrel proff our feeders 🙂
Nice photos
Words
29 Aug 2009Neil, I knew we were in good kestrel country, but I hadn't expected to see quite that number together. I haven't really thought about 'squirrel-proofing' the feeder… it's mainly used the rest of the time by the wood mouse and only occasionally by actual birds!