Christmas Day at the Watermead - 25 December 2011

I managed a short walk yesterday before our venison dinner, there were quite a few people out at Watermead park despite the rather grey weather and because of it the light wasn't too good for photography. So you'll have to excuse the images not being up to the standard that I usually try to achieve on the blog.

This first picture is not at all good for focus etc. but I have included it as it shows a cormorant in full breeding plumage - on Christmas Day!!!

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

That's one very confused bird - let's hope there are no receptive females or, when the cold weather comes the chicks might not survive.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/500 @ f6.3, iso 800, 250mm

 These two Mallard obviously did not have the Christmas spirit, they had a bit of a ding-dong over a bit of bread that was thrown in close to where I was standing.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L Lens
1/80 @ f6.3, iso 800, 400mm

One bird that can always be counted on to raise the spirits - this Robin was sitting in the hedge by the car park belting out its sweet song. I don't care what people like Chris Packham say, what other reason could the Robin have for singing at this time of year, if not for enjoyment?

Happy Yule and a good New Year - 23 December 2011

The weather isn't looking good for the holiday

so I chose a couple of last years pictures that feel a bit seasonal

The first is at the Highwoods in Essex

And the Robin was on a gate at Watermead Park.

Have a good Yule Tide and a happy New Year

Another post at last - 21 December 2011

What a difference a year makes, this time last year we had snow and frosts, ice on the lakes and lots of unusual visitors. This year, hardly anything out of the ordinary and a lot of mud. Coupled with dull days it has not been the year for wildlife photography. Adding to that my poor health and I've taken very few pictures this year.

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens

1/125 @ 6.3, iso 400, 380mm

I did manage to get out to Watermead Park South and caught this female Scaup, I couldn't see the male. It has been pointed out to me via a comment from Midlandsbirder that  this is not a scaup it is a hybrid probably with a female Tufty - ah well we all make mistakes sometimes - thanks MB 

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm L lens

1/160 @ 6.3, iso 400, 400mm

A few geese took flight from the island and came to land quire close to the car park giving us a nice view of the underside. I'm hoping to get out more over the holidays