Favourite image from 12 December

 Title says enough......

Garden Birds in the Snow at the Bird Table - 12 December

 While waiting for a burst pipe to be repaired, with two kettles full of water for hot drinks, why not take photographs of some of the birds feeding?   The Corvids were numerous and greedy.   At one point there were 5 Magpies but I failed to capture them on the bird table.   The Rook was as capable to having 4+ peanuts in its beak as the Magpies.  

Ely Cathedral III

 Having covered the exterior of this Cathedral and some windows in earlier postings, this tranch is capturing the height and enormity and beauty of this Cathedral.

Ely Cathedral II

There were many people in the Cathedral, either visiting or preparing to join in a service.    The light enhanced the visit as colour from the stain-glassed windows was projected onto stone pillars and shafts of light emphasised the shapes of pillars.

Ely Cathedral I

Just in case I get more regular at blog posting - for a whole year perhaps! - I'm getting into practice now for 2023!   These photographs were taken on Christmas Eve and although chilly the sun was shining and wisps of cloud added contrast to the sky.   The next tranch of images was taken inside.

Little Owl - edge of Wicken Fen

 I had heard there were Little Owls at the Burwell edge of Wicken Fen but had never seen them.   On this occasion I relished seeing one Little Owl, only to find a second one on my return to the NT car park (iii).   Their camouflage on a dry heap of wood is exceptional.  In only one photograph are both eyes to be seen - as I think I was!

Green Woodpecker

 I'm still not back into a frequent blog posting despite the number of images I have!   However, something is better than ignoring the blog altogether!   In the second image it looks as though the bird has an eye lid passing over the eye.   I wonder if that's possible.   I'm pleased with the lens though.

Sparrowhawk in garden

 I know it is a predator but it was an unexpected delight to see a male Sparrowhawk spend more than a fleeting visit in the garden recently.   It meant he could be photographed!   There are some fluffy rust coloured feathers on his chest which has left me wondering if it is a juvenile, enhanced by a gentle breeze.   It could have chosen to rest on a handle of the less rusty wheelbarrow!

Stoat in the Garden

 I don't think I've ever seen a Stoat in this garden!   In fact I've seen very few in any habitat.   Thankfully I had a camera to hand and was able to take a couple of photographs.   I should love to welcome a lot here as there are far too many rabbits.

Swifts in Ely

 In the heat of the day there were masses of Swifts flying around St Mary's Church where a remarkable number of nest boxes have been installed in the spire.   I'd heard of this well used site but hadn't expected quite so many Swifts.   The first photograph gives some idea of what one side of the four sided tower looks like - and there are three other sides!   The following photographs are attempts to capture just how many birds are using this breeding site.   They fly so close to one another, sometimes flying in opposite directions.

Kingfisher at Lakenheath Fen

 Patience was rewarded with some images of a Kingfisher eating a fish and then a spider on a branch close to Mere Hide.   Almost more exciting is seeing a Kingfisher in the reeds next to the Hide where it was difficult to see and photograph.

Lakenheath Fen

 It's always worth posting, even after several months!   May get some of the backlog sorted........    I hadn't been to Lakenheath Fen for a while but was awake early this morning so a worthwhile trip was captured.   The next posting will be of Kingfishers only but here are some of the photographs from today's photography.   Two of the three Swift nesting boxes here are occupied and here is one of the adult Swifts leaving around 06.00 this morning.

The rest of the images are of 'finds' on the way to and from Mere Hide (Kingfishers).   I think this might be a young Grey Heron, some Ruddy Darters perhaps, a Commer Butterfly, insects mating but I don't know what they are, and finally three Mallard ducklings near the Visitor Centre.