It's a funny thing but, even when I come back from a bird photography outing feeling that I have had a pretty blank day, there always seems to be something surprisingly interesting in the camera. I guess that this is all about pressing the shutter when your instincts whisper to you, and having an open mind when you come to review your shots on the computer afterwards. This quirky shot of a Cormorant on an ugly pole for example seemed to have more charm than I had thought when I took the shot.
The day started with me watching some Wigeon cruising the edge of a tidal creek at Seaton. Some other Wigeon were grazing on the island above them and it became apparent that the floating birds wanted to join them, only problem being a two foot bank to get over. After much consideration they did what they do best of course and decided to fly up and over. It was surprising what an obstacle they seemed to consider it. Here is a female on her way up.
Later more Wigeon flew in to join the happy band.
There was also a Curlew in attendance. Apparently Curlew are suffering a population decline so it is always nice to see one.
Even better when you can snap one in flight.
Then finally, after a drenching shower, these two Little Egrets came into land. I caught a rather pretty arrangement.
So, admittedly not a great day but not a write-off either. Just follow your instincts and see what you get. I am really looking forward to the Spring when all the bird activity increases, but in the meantime I will still go out and do what I can. After all, you can't beat a day out in the wilds.
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Excited by my recent Great Egret photo expedition, I returned to the Somerset levels yesterday to see what I could find. It is a great time to be out with the camera as the birds are starting to nest. Consequently there are many territorial disputes and other behaviours unique to this time of year. I just have to grab the opportunity to capture some of it before things settle down to the quiet of Summer.
Let's start with a duck fight! Here is a dispute between two Mallards
The loser makes good his escape whilst the victor looks on.
He lands safely just a short distance away. I love the splashing water frozen by the camera. It is a shame that you cannot see the clarity of the original photo.
In the following shot a Gadwall is chased into the sky by a Coot. Coots are very aggressive right now. You may not be able to see it, but it is behind the duck - honest!
The Great Egrets are still in action. Display flights at this time of year involve some dramatic in-flight posturing. Some of which are captured in these next few shots.
This one reared up almost vertically in the air. It really is a most arresting sight.
Then there is this cross shape that occurs quite frequently, again performed in very slow flight.
Don't know what to call the following pose, show-boating comes to mind but I do not know why. Perhaps "surfing" would be a better term.
More crossing
and more surfing. Showing off big time!
And then of course there always has to be a bit of this. It would pay to keep a careful eye on the sky if this sort of thing can come raining down.
Whilst all this aerial exhibitionism is going on, this Coot is quietly getting on with the serious task of building a nest. Its mate is going to be well impressed when he comes in with this lot - perhaps.
Elsewhere this Cormorant has caught a flatfish which is almost too big to swallow and the gull fancies it. The Cormorant makes a threatening lunge, seeming to forget that it has a big fish in its mouth.
Meanwhile this Great Crested Grebe is left to deal with its more reasonably sized lunch in peace.
To finish this time, a couple of more serene shots of Gadwall in flight.
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