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. 

 

 

Bored Kingfisher at Rye Meads RSPB Reserve

The male kingfisher visited the nesting bank twice during my visit and stayed for nearly half an hour looking very bored. Very distant shots but still lovely to observe and photograph. The Gadwall and Teal are clearly paired up and look very smart. Surprised to see a fresh crop of Glistening Inkcaps (Coprinellus micaceus) in a tree stump though they are one of the first toadstools to appear

 

Rye Meads Clear Frosty Morning

Lovely clear light at Rye Meads - no unusual birds to photograph but fun trying to record the blackbirds taking the berries and the various ducks etc on the only bit of unfrozen water from the Kingfisher hide (Kingfisher did make a fleeting visit but at a distance).

Macro Lens for Fuji CSC

I recently purchased a Zeiss 50mm macro lens for my Fuji cameras to complete my lightweight  'walk-about' wildlife kit. After having the car broken into and my heavy Canon gear stolen, I now want to be able to carry all my kit with me when on a lecture tour etc. Very impressed with the quality of the images - many of these are straight from the camera - the colour rendition especially of the blues is excellent. Not easy to use but when right will be a very good lens for flowers, insects etc as well as general scenery and any bird that comes close enough! 

Rye Meads RSPB Reserve

All looks well for the pair of Kingfishers at Rye Meads - they were in constant attendance at the hole bank and mated twice while I was there. They are a long way off but still good to see and capture a few memories. Other water birds are also looking in good condition. 

Morning Activity at Rye Meads

A small group from CCC visited Rye Meads RSPB reserve yesterday. We spent the morning in the Kingfisher Hide and had several views of its namesake but always at a distance and often in the bushes. Twice the male brought in fish, gave to the female and then mated. This has been happening for a couple of weeks so hopefully eggs will be laid soon. Chiffchaffs (also Blackcap, Cetti's Warbler and Sedge Warbler) were singing, Kestrel's were busy exchanging food and guarding the nest box while the Coots and Moorhens dragged much too long sticks and reeds to their nests. Even a few butterflies on the wing (Peacock, Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Brimstone, Small White).

Afternoon photos to follow when we got closer to things!