What a strange day it has been. It was a cold and gloomy morning ......... until it suddenly brightened up and we found ourselves enjoying a sunny afternoon. It seemed a good idea to head to Trimley to make the most of this miracle:
Trimley is separated from the River Orwell by the public footpath. We climbed up to it and saw these three avocets!
This redshank had positioned itself neatly between the two black-headed gulls.
We only visited one hide - the Woodgate, overlooking the reservoir. This gave us a lovely view of various ducks, including this shoveler.
A flotilla of mallards.
There were lots of coots about, including one which spent the whole time we were there dozing next to the hide!
In the pool behind the hide there was only one bird - this beautiful redshank.
This, sadly, was the closest pochard!
The tufted duck was a little more co-operative.
This female mallard demonstrates the sheer joy of bathing.
'What's an angel?'
A female tufted duck comes up for air.
These gadwalls are getting along swimmingly!
Scarpering seems like the right thing to do.
Look what Limpy spotted in the distance .......... a stunning buzzard.
It didn't stay for long but we were happy to see it anyway!
As always I hope you enjoy these.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Some lovely pics there. What is that behind the Shoveler?
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
As far as I can tell it's another shoveler, possibly a younger one.
It sounds like your weather is like ours Clare, a bit of sunshine & you rush out to try & make the most of it. You certainly did with a lovely set of photos for us.
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
You are getting some great trips in and sightings Clare, another lovely photo set of birds including the gorgeous Buzzard at the end, nice :) as I type this a huge flock of Canada's are overflying our house and calling lol
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Regards, Hazel
That sounds nice and quiet, Hazy!
I love geese.
You're doing so well with your duck id's Clare, I do like the gang of Mallards with the reeds behind, lovely pic. Also the Avocets lined up and of course the Buzzard surveying it's territory.
Lot to learn
You've definitely made the most of any sun there - it's rare enough at the moment. I remember Buzzards as being rare down there. Is that still the case?
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Nige Flickr
Unknown said:I remember Buzzards as being rare down there. Is that still the case?
Definitely a change for the better then.
Lovely collection again, Clare. It is great that you and Limpy are getting out so often. Love Mrs Mallie being an angel.
Kind regards, Ann