Pochards

 Large numbers of Pochard winter on the Ouse Washes - mostly males as the females travel further south. Here is a selection of flight images. I particularly like the last female Pochard flying out of the reserve to feed just as the sun set.

Welney Swans

 Great to see the sun this weekend after rather a long absence. It made swan photography very difficult as the highlights burned out even when the rest of the image was correctly exposedvbut here are a few shots. There was a lot of inter-family group aggression resulting in a few minor injuries. The swan in the last frame has lost a patch of feathers from its wing, presumably during a skirmish.

Heron at Fowlmere

This was virtually the only bird that I saw today on a snowy walk round RSPB reserve at Fowlmere. It is presumably the same Heron that was swimming on our previous visit.

Still Waters etc

 I went to photograph the meadows in Grantchester in the fog but found it had cleared so looked for other subjects. The snow was starting to thaw off the branches overhanging the river creating interesting ripples among the reflected trees.

Toft in the Snow

 A few pictures of Toft in the snow for El as she went for a walk to the church without a camera (!) and wanted a record of the snowy scene and for friends in Guernsey to show what their B&B and other bits of the village look like at the moment.

Beech Woods

Straight tree trunks in a Beech plantation after directional snowfall create wonderful graphic images but I also liked the curved branches of an isolated beech tree.Clematis seed heads and the beech leaves with pointed buds also benefitted from a covering of snow.

Animals in the Snow

 A variety of dogs and farm animals taken during the 2 days. Unfortunately the Alpaca was in Chorley wood not its native South America.

Autumn Leaves and Snow

 A walk in Chorley Wood Estate revealed red autumn leaves with winter snow. I enjoyed choosing different patterns of trunks and leaves. I even managed autumn winter and spring in the final image.

And Today It Is Snow

 Despite the cold wind and driving light snow, we enjoyed a walk at wimpole today. The falling snow resulted in great misty backgrounds to contrast against the winter trees.

Hoar Frost

Beautiful hoar frost yesterday, starting with pink and orange hues reflecting in the ice crystals as the sun rose going to deep blues hues. I wasn't able to get out and photograph as I had other commitments but enjoyed the silver birch outside the front door!!