BIRD NEWS: 894

 

I managed to get the trumpeter swans in the same picture - but they did not seem to be hanging out together, sigh - maybe they will nest NEXT year!

This one just wants to nap! We had a peep in the new incubation shed - and spotted a pair of ducks - well, not exactly a pair - but two different species sharing a 'room'.

We passed a pair of wood pigeons in a tree....

A load of seagulls and a wild mute swan are up next.

While up in the sky.....sand martens and a pigeon.

I only took a couple of shots as they never stay still long enough to photograph properly - until I master the art of camera fiddling FAST enough to alternate between a variety of shutter shots.

Let's end with Naboo.

BIRD NEWS: 893

 

It is back to Arundel WWT, and here are a redshank on the left and bunch of avocet on the right.

But before we get carried away at WWT Arundel, let us just remember the cheeky chatty little fellow I had visit me last year - Naboo!

Then it is back to Arundel - the spectacled eider and scoters were sunbathing on thier pond rim. We then walked past a gang of Canada Geese - assumedly mama, papa, and 5 youngsters.

Next, a pair of swan geese demonstrate one use of teethed beaks - preening.

Then I made my way to the Trumpeter swan lakelet....no nest!

You can only just spot them both - one at each end of the picture!!

Here is the one by the fence in close-up.

BIRD NEWS: 892

There was a show pigeon under the picnic tables as we left Warnham Nature Reserve. I therefore allowed myself a couple of shots as we made our way homeward.

Our next excursion was to Arundel WWT where we encountered the first of a display throughout Arundel and Chichester of decorated owls. As you can see below, a kingfisher and pelican were painted onto the one situated at WWT.

There were other birds, including a mute swan, along with a water vole depicted on another angle.

I walked around it, taking pictures of each view point. The snipe and crow come out better in this shot.

In my final shot you can see the frog in the bottom corner.

I also took a photograph of the charity exhibit details.

Of course, WWT have real birds too - as shown by a pair of zzz-ing female pelicans.

 

BIRD NEWS: 891

 

The little grebe was entertaining enough, as you can tell by the numerous pictures I caught.

There is the heron again.

Above and below you can see the contrast between 'program' and 'auto' modes.

Then, as if the heron and little grebe were not sufficient - in flew a kingfisher to perch momentarily on a branch.

Alas, my photos do not show it clearly.

So let us return to the little grebe.

Finally, for this post, the heron was still in situ.

BIRD NEWS: 890

 

I took several shots of the little grebe as it meandered along the side of the lake.

It then came back towards the hide/center and allowed for a better sighting.

I took more shots as it came in front of us, practising with the 2 settings of my camera I prefer - auto and program - the latter seems to add color and zoom, whilst the former fades and distances a capture.

It darted about in front of us for some time, dipping down to munch below surface a little, but mostly on surface, allowing for good shots.

Coot and moorhen were also nearby, and the heron was still standing around. There was no shortage of birdlife to be sighted in this hide.

I was not alone in taking multiple pictures though.

I stayed mainly on the 'program' setting to get vivid blue water.

 

BIRD NEWS: 889

 

Our next excursion was to Warnham Nature reserve. On our way, we stopped off at Old Barn Garden Center for coffee. I spotted a wagtail - sometimes on the ground between tables - but by the time I had finished my almond latte and got my camera ready it was higher up.

As we walked through the enclosed center after renewing our annual memberships, we spotted a pair of mute swans with a single cygnet in the main lake. Further out, there was a lesser egret.

The first hide had little of interest due to cessation of feeding. However, at the next hide there was plenty fo birdlife to watch. Firstly, we spotted a close-by grey heron.

It stood there for some time and enabled myself and several other camera-owners to take some good shots/footage. There were of course other birds - such as the coots.

It did not seem to be busy or in a hurry - just standing around relaxing.

As if not bothered by anything other than enjoying a restful moment.

To the left, we spotted a little grebe.

BIRD NEWS: 888

 

It appeared that the nesting box may have been in use by owls....or might still be in use. Alas, we did not bring our noccies with us to be able to tell for sure.

Well no, no kestrels were spotted today - just that buzzard. Perhaps it was barn owls using that nesting box - it was definitely owl sized.

Lots of amazing old relic style rocks lay around, near this wood carving.

Our next stop was Prairie Gardens - plenty of art work depicting birds here too - such as on this abandoned ice cream cart.

& on a metal fence like wall thing.

That might have been for the floral art fair though - which just happened to be on on the day we visitied.

Finally, another shot of Naboo from 2023.