Kicking off this year's odds and sods with Starlings in a rainbow on that extreme rarity: sunshine.
It was early morning, with the sun barely cresting the tree line. We were able to get out for our morning walk as it wasn't raining. This photo is my trusty Canon 80D and Sigma 18-300mm lens zoomed in at 300mm.
Pulling back a bit.
And finally all the way back.
Oh, 2024 got off to a good start with this.
So far my cat, perhaps two neighbouring cats visiting our garden, a local fox and Tawny owl, and this trap have accounted for at least five of the beasties. Sightings of rats in our garden are getting rarer, so I think I'm winning. Two rather timid and wary rats, that I know of, are proving more elusive to catch. I've resorted to buying a lethal trap. The trap was triggered, yesterday, but no rat, sadly. Though a mouse might have triggered it, and was small enough to be within the kill bar.
90% luck, 5% field craft, 5% camera skills.
No info on hopes/expectations, but a link to Dorset Wildlife Trust page about the project HERE
A nice scene Tony
Many thanks PB, very interesting to read up on this project, those chicks are so well camouflaged!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Great to see the Avocet family Tony!
Well that's delightful
Cin J
Here's looking at you kid.
Billysdad said:A Goosander I think, rather than a Merganser
In my very limited experience, I think the main distinguishing mark is the white neck collar on the males, though the females do have a white neck collar, just not so prominent.
There is a YouTube video from the BTO to help confirm the ID, if you click HERE.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Thanks Mike, I will have a look at that ...
Excellent shot Ed, great detail. Their eyes are amazing ...
Lovely Woodie capture Ed, such vibrant colours!