I am so lucky to live in this part of the world. Today turned out to be a perfect day to get lots of snaps of the birds and their stunning habitat. The weather was glorious and the tide just turning......perfect. I'm starting with the birdlife:
A herring gull posing in between practising his worm dance.
I have no idea what this gull is holding. I hope it's not something which has got stuck there.
A nice flyby from the great black-backed gull.
This crow had found something edible in a shell and was repeatedly dropping it from height!
It did eventually get what it wanted.
Two busy turnstones.
One of them fled to this boat.
Several teals lurking quietly by the riverside.
'Is this a new and interesting form of torture?' wonders the Godfather.
A black-headed gull sits on guard!
Two dunlins looking companionable.
This redshank didn't flee from the camera quickly enough.
Two gleaming lapwings pose on the central sandbank.
The great black-back gets in a preen before the sandbank disappears under the incoming tide.
'Scarper!' More teals, in the air this time.
A beautiful curlew.
In the distance a little egret flew across.
Every boat should be decorated with one of these!
A mass lounge on the shingle bank.
Not to be outdone by the Godfather this herring gull also does a nice flyby.
Are we keeping him up?
A lovely pied wagtail forages under the caff tables.
This gull really needed a drink!
Had to finish with a magpie.
Part 2 to follow soonish.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
The GBBG's know they're in charge.
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
Stunning photo captures Clare, glad you had decent weather unlike cloudy Cheshire ! I can't work out either what that gull has in his bill, looks like the coating of a shell but it's a funny shape, they do seem to "play" with pebbles and shells so perhaps he's just found a new toy ! love that reflection of the BH Gull in penultimate pic but they are all lovely photos.
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Regards, Hazel
As well as being a haven for all sorts of birds the Ferry is a working fishing hamlet and a popular mooring place for lots of different boats - it's popular with walkers and cyclists, especially in the warmer weather when the ferry is running. Have a look:
A large group of walkers incoming.
My friend the ferryman runs boating trips through the winter for anglers and birdwatchers - he was doing some work on his boat today and invited me aboard! I don't get too many opportunities to snap the scenery from this perspective.
The central sandbank. It's only visible at low tide, though a fair variety of birds enjoy lurking on it.
As we headed down river we passed this fisherman. He looked as cheerful as could be expected!
Bawdsey Manor - a historic and very beautiful place.
North Felixstowe's beach huts.
Felixstowe Ferry and the Martello tower from out at sea.
Back at the jetty this dog was demonstrating how to best enjoy the water.
The jetty is a fantastic place to relax and gaze upriver. This lady has great technique!
The little dog doesn't look too sure of the weight imbalance in such a small boat!
I think this is the first time I've seen a canoe in action in January.
This is a bit more substantial.
My friend takes off in his very nice boat.
That's everything posted! Hope you like them.
Another really interesting set Clare and nice to see the location with the boats, the manor house, ferry area and all the various activities and pursuits, great stuff :) what a bonus to have a new vantage point from your friend the ferryman's boat.
Lovely pics and report, Clare--thanks! I love your pics of the Black Headed Gulls especially. How handy, to know a ferryman--lucky you!
Kind regards, Ann
I've been going to the Ferry with my camera for years now and you get to know people, especially in such a small place. The ferryman, harbour master and many of the fishermen are quite welcoming and chatty.
A lovely post, Clare, for both the birds and the location.
I can't make out what the gull has in its beak, either, even when zoomed in, it looks odd.
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Nige Flickr
Sadly, it looks rather like a piece of plastic :-(
Nice set of memories of your day, Clare. It's always good to get the chance to see the land from the sea, rather than the other way around!
Lovely set of birds Clare, and a super scenic tour of the Felixstowe area, thanks for sharing.
cheers Terry
my photo's here