Common Birds in Good Light

I borrowed Ian's lens and converter to compare with my lens which maybe needs a service as it has had hard use over the years I have had it. First a visit to a local pond to field test the lenses. Plenty of activity with Dabchicks diving for fish, Mallard, moorhens, gulls and rooks. No discernible difference in performance - first 7 images with 1.4 converter, last three without. 

Miscellany from Lackford Lakes

We called at Lackford Lakes on our way back from Norfolk and enjoyed watching a Little Grebe catch and eat several fish. Lots of Lapwing and Snipe but the only close birds were a Robin and Cormorant. Interesting fungi - Stalkball and birds Nest Fungus. 

Marsh Harrier Display at RSPB Fowlmere

We spent around an hour watching a pair of Marsh Harriers displaying at Fowlmere. A Fallow Deer also came out to drink while a Mallard dropped in to have a wash.

Wicken Fen - To Camouflage or Not

 Our two visits to Wicken recently have been in bright sunny weather with wonderful reflections. I enjoyed photographing the various ducks and water birds - the female Shoveller is wonderfully camouflaged in the reeds while the males stand out more. In the Gadwall, both sexes are well camouflaged (male shown). Coots will be obvious wherever they are perhaps related to the fact they are very territorial. Last two photos are of the noisiest species present during our water watching - the Little Grebes who were calling continuously and doing quite a lot of fighting and displays.

Baker's Fen Hide, Wicken Fen

We spent a couple of hours in the new hide on Baker's Fen. As we arrived, a Bittern flew across the reeds but did not reappear once we were set up with cameras. Most birds were very distant but this pair of Reed buntings played in the reeds close enough for some decent photos,

Perfect Weather for Ducks at Rye Meads

For the first time on a visit to Rye Meads RSPB Reserve, we failed to see a Kingfisher - for most of the time, it was raining heavily so we can't blame them. However the ducks, Shoveller, Teal and Gadwall, and other water birds, Little Grebe, Coot and Moorhen were happy.