There's not much news from Conder/Glasson this morning but I took a small number of brand-new photographs. What a difference a little sunshine makes. "Click the pics" for a grandstand view of the birds.
An adult Oystercatcher was on lookout duty next to the road, the sun behind the bird rather than the ideal situation in front or to one side. I had to overexpose almost two stops to get any sort of picture. The chick was better placed.
Oystercatcher chick
Oystercatcher
Not too many other waders this morning and no sign of Greenshank or Spotted Redshank. It was the usual 25+ Common Redshanks, 6 Common Sandpipers, 8 Lapwing and 2 Curlew, although a single Snipe on the pool was new.
A Kingfisher made a single pass along the creek before heading off towards the canal - good to see them back in the area.
Kingfisher
Six Tufted Duck, 2 Wigeon, 1 Goldeneye, 4 Canada Goose and 1 Shelduck on the pool
Passerines from the pool/road – 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Goldfinch, 3 Linnet, 1 Tree Sparrow.
Glasson was quiet and peaceful where the usually shy grebe was more accommodating today. The Great Crested Grebe is the largest member of the European grebes and an excellent swimmer and diver, pursuing its fish prey underwater. The adults are unmistakable in summer with their head and neck decorations.
Great Crested Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
The heron kept a safe distance with a watchful eye again, while the Coots and Mallards are accustomed to people at the water's edge.
Grey Heron
Coot
Mallard
Linking today to Stewart's World Bird Wednesday. In Australia it is Wednesday already!
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19 comments:
Some amazing shots here - I could count every feather on that beautiful little Kingfisher, and I love that last Grebe shot where you can see the water droplets on its back. We surprisingly have Great Crested Grebes in Australia as well, though they are apparently a different race. They are just as shy though!
Great shots. Love it.. Congrats and regards
I very much like seeing the European versions of birds that remind me so much of our North American ones.
Excellent images Phil.
Very little seen here and another day devoid of butterflies apart from Meadow Browns!
Awesome birds, Phil! The Oystercatcher chick is adorable and I love the grebes! pretty shots!
Buenas capturas Phil.Un abrazo
I really, really like that first Grebe picture with the great reflection, and the Oyster catcher chick. From Findlay
Great series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Can't help myself...that juvenile oystercatcher made me giggle!!
As always Phil, a delightful visit I've had. Have a terrific afternoon.
That oystercatcher chick is so cute. I have yet to see one so young - the beaches and bayside close to here have too much disturbance for breeding birds. The photos of the grebe and its reflection are very beautiful.
Excellent shots, love that Kingfisher!
Beautiful series.
wow - I really love the kingfisher Phil
Lovely shots! The kingfisher is very handsome.
Oh the beautiful lighting on the Crested Grebe and the show of water beading up, upon those lovely feathers, wonderful images. I so enjoy the Kingfisher and travel often 3 miles to try and find the local friend, but never even get it close, or clear. Your share is stunning in perfect light as well. Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it ever so much~
Don't know which is my favourite picture of this lot, Phil. The oystercatcher chick is priceless but the kingfisher and grebes are top shelf too. I sent a message to the English Cricket Board tonight complaining that I can't watch the ashes in Japan. I guess it's best for me to keep my eye on the birds anyhow.
Hello Phil, my name is Ernie Allison and first off if this doubled posted I am sorry. It didn't look like it submitted properly. Anyway, I am writing you on behalf of Perky-Pet®. Perky-Pet® has allowed me the opportunity to search the web for blogs and websites dedicated to birding and photography. The photography featured on your site is absolutely amazing. Your most recent Sunny Shots post has some absolutely great photos. I am particularly fond of the one of the Oystercatcher chic. For this, we would like to award you with our “Eye in the Sky” awards.
If you are interested, please send me and email at ernie.allison63@gmail.com. Keep up the great work Phil!
That Kingfisher shot is excellent, how close were you?
Love all the shots phil, but the GREBES are excelent.
All the best Gordon.
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