.......... this thread! It has come as something of a shock to see that this is one of no less than six lots of photos I've taken at Minsmere in the last fortnight, without posting them! I must offer sincere apologies for this - my only excuse is that I've been getting out and walking with one of our guides, which means I've been coming home absolutely knackered.
These were actually taken two weeks ago on January 26th - it was a gloriously sunny morning and there was plenty to see:
Phil the pheasant looked in fine form ...........
........... as did Phyllis!
We've had a stunning pale-morph buzzard hanging around - it's a shame this is the closest I've seen it.
A marsh harrier over the North Marsh. I'm trying to not dwell on what might have happened to that wing tip.
Our commonest ducks are also among our most photogenic.
Lurking to the right of the East Hide was this redshank.
Mr Teal contributes to the general whistling.
This greylag goose is showing off one of our bigger wingspans.
The definition of 'big' in one simple photo!
A gleaming cormorant in breeding plumage (yup, that white spot!).
Who's this, then?
It's a herring gull having its usual thorough bathe.
The first winter glaucous gull graces the Scrape with its presence.
To say the least this greylag goose looks very refreshed.
The snipe tries hiding in plain sight among the ducks. Not bad, Snipey.
'You don't expect this electrified thingy to keep me out, do you?'
Mrs Chaffinch was really in the mood to pose - isn't she beautiful?
The ever-present blackbird. Looking good, too!
Finishing with this redwing in the woodland.
I hope you enjoy these - there'll be more soon!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Lovely set, Clare. I particularly liked the 'find the snipe'. Well done for spotting it.
Birdie's DU Summaries 2018 https://www.imagicat.com/