A pictorial diary of my walks around the parks and wild areas of Leicestershire, and occasionally farther afield.

If you're new to my blog, you might like to have a look at the pictures in the older post as well (click on button at the bottom of the page).

I am also a writer, using the pen-name John Gwynant, and I'll occasionally announce my latest book release on the blog.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Blackbrook Reservoir - 13 May 2011

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/400 @ f6.3, iso 400, 100mm
We took Skipper for a walk by Blackbrook Reservoir (near Loughborough) where the farmer of the adjacent land seems to be growing a crop of Canada Geese.

On the walk in we saw a duck with a family of chicks, but she was very shy and disappeared into the bushes on the other side of the water. As she was going I caught a flash of light coloured feathers on the side of her face.

Fortunately, when we returned, I was ready for her and managed to get this shot as she again set out for the far bushes.


Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/3200 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm
 We identified her as a Mandarin Duck and when we saw her mate, we were certain of our identification.


Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/1328 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm
He was swimming a little to the side of his family and keeping a close eye on us. This is the first time we've seen Mandarin here and certainly the first time we've seen one with young. They are beautiful birds, let's hope she manages to raise most, if not all, of her brood.
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