There was heavy mist about this morning, but by lunchtime the air had cleared and I was able to get out to Falmer Pond. The usual suspects were about, including numerous playful moorhens.
And if you look closely at the first of those shots you'll see who the newcomer is. We seem to have acquired a coot. It was on its own, and is (as far as I can recall) the first one I've seen there. Here's a better shot.
A small flock of pigeons was gathered on the 13th century barn behind the church. They were startled by an overflying kestrel (a large female).
The kestrel flew on, no doubt searching for better hunting out in the fields. The black-headed gulls were staying local, hoping to be fed by the occasional passer-by. They were out of luck where I'm concerned, but still provided a few interesting shots.
Nothing from the garden tonight. I did spy a pair of eyes lurking at the back of the garden, but they turned away as soon as they spotted me. A fox no doubt; but a shy one.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
RobinL
11 Nov 2011Words, great post! You had a good day! Very interesting shot of the guy!
ICU109
11 Nov 2011wow that pic of the gull with the wings outstretched in front…..what a glorious shot! and a coot, kind of like my mom used to call my dad…."YOU OLD COOT" !! I never knew what one was till now. thought it was just a cantankerous old man. LOL!
gdare
11 Nov 2011And moorhens finally look like birds 😛
anonymous
11 Nov 2011Kate writes:
Gorgous shot of the gull, very cool!
Words
13 Nov 2011Darko, they grow up into really quite elegant birds. Eventually!
Words
13 Nov 2011Kate, thanks!
Words
13 Nov 2011Erwin, thanks!
Words
13 Nov 2011Kathy, glad I could clear up where 'coot' comes from!
Words
13 Nov 2011Robin, thanks!
ICU109
16 Nov 2011LOL!!!
SittingFox
16 Nov 2011Hope it settles in well!
Words
16 Nov 2011Adele, it's still around, and still on its own. It probably got separated from a larger flock. There are plenty around the area but generally near deeper water.
Kelisha
18 Nov 2011Nice Birdrange Words Love the Birds of Flight & the Moorhens playing in the Pond.:aww:
I have seen Mik Furies Blog Guide For adding Photo Albums on the main Blog Page through Sami Serola's Link just Earlier it couldn't have Happened at a Better time as I have some Beautiful Landscape Shots(Full Moon, Spring Flowers, Mauve Sunset & plenty more) to Post up!! Check it out Later on Words if you like Yeah.:dragonfly::)
I Love how you can have the Option to post Photo Albums on Blog just for Public com & then remove No Comment or save this Feature for Private photo albms for just Friends comments!!! He's a Very Handy Person Mik what You can Learn just from reading His Blog.:sherlock:
Do You use Desktop or Mobile for Opera??:confused:
Have a Nice Evening Words see Ya…:king::star::smurf::beer:
Words
18 Nov 2011Kelisha, thanks. Moorhens are always good to watch. Such active birds!
Mik's guide is really helpful. I should take a look to see what else he suggests. Will check out your blog too. Via the desktop… always.
Kelisha
18 Nov 2011Thanks for the Reply I am putting my Album together now.
The Reason why I asked if you use phone or Desktop is you have so many Photo comments & Replies to answer to as Your Work is a Joy to watch by so many others as your a Brilliant Wildlife Photographer so of coarse you need a Comp Keyboard to write so Quick.:sherlock:
I live in very Suburbia town of Melbourne in Australia so I don't get to see alot of Wildlife although in the Middle of Winter when there's Fog I'll see the Occasional Fox the last time I saw one was about 2yrs ago but that was when I didn't own a Camera. For the moment I am mainly a Landscape Photographer but when I move to a more Bushier secluded area & buy myself a Good Eos Camera I'll Shoot Wildlife as when I even try & Shoot my Pets in Continuous mode the Pics still come out Blury.
My Dream is to Win the Lottery & move to Wisconsin state America for a Couple of Years as I Finish my book as this Place would Inspire me Deeply & then to England & live in the Moors near the Lake.:sing: :wizard: :wait: 💡
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Great Post