Paxton 18th July

 A few images taken on the Third Thursday Walk at Paxton. A warm day so a few insects around including a Bee-wolf Wasp, Brimstone, Robber Fly and Southern Hawker, the Great Crested Grebes and the Common Terns were busy fishing and feeding their young, Tufted ducks have returned, while up to 6 Little Egrets have taken up residence with the Grey Herons.

Early Morning Paxton Pits

One of those special moments when you arrive on a scene just as the lighting conditions are perfect - a mist had settled over one of the lakes at Paxton as the sun rose high enough to illuminate the scene and what better subject than a Great Crested Grebe in full display plumage. The Tufted Ducks played their part while flying Mallard and Cormorant added to the scene.

Season is Changing at Paxton

There are definite signs that Spring is on its way at Paxton with the Cormorants in breeding plumage and busy nest building, and the Great Crested Grebes are showing their breeding ruffs. Winter visitors are still with us while immature nonbreeding Cormorants and Herons are sitting around looking very bored. Poor light most of the time for photography.

Paxton Cormorants and Ducks

The cormorants already have the white patch on the body under the wing showing they are ready for breeding. Lots of Wigeon around pestering the Coots as they dived for food (kleptoparasitism). Also Tufted Ducks including one with a very snazzy beak 'Ring'  LVC3 I think

Paxton Winter Water Birds

Thursday morning was dull with showers but it brightened in the afternoon so I took my camera out to see what wildfowl are around - pleased to see Goldeneye, Shoveller and Little Grebe. It was very windy so the water was choppy.