A mother's love - July 2013

Young animals are always cute, aren't they?

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And these Mallard chicks really confirm that

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Cuddly and furry who wouldn't say ahh when seeing them.

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But a young coot, really can only attract a mothers love.

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They are very nearly bald with eyes so dark you wonder if you're looking into an empty skull.

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But, ugly as they are, they can be adventurous and are often getting seen off by neighbouring mothers.

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Their mothers must love them, they are very attentive and protective. They'll attack much bigger birds to protect their young.

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And they never seem to tire of finding food for their babies.

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All taken on a 

Canon EOS 7d with an EF 100 - 400mm L series lens

To Bee or not to Bee - 6 July 2013

Tern, Tern, Tern first although only two pictures it wouldn't fly so I couldn't get a flying shot. A Common Tern at Watermead Park

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I wouldn't normally show a picture of the back of a Bee, but if you look at the pollen she has collected you might wonder how she flew away. If you haven't see a Bee's collected pollen before, it's the two sandy coloured "stones" you can see either side of her.

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On the way back to the car park I spotted this coot with her new chicks, shortly afterwards they all disappeared under her into the nest and she settled down on top.

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Coots can be great parents here the male returns to help her.

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All the pictures taken on

Canon EOS7d with EF 100 - 400mm L series zoom