First Ducklings

These were taken yesterday and record the first ducklings of the year.   One of the dogs came upon this family before I realised what was happening and initially I feared the dog (uncharacteristically) might have harmed the duck.   It soon became clear the duck was faining injury to get the dog (Boo) away from her ducklings.   In the event Boo spectated, as I did.    Whether the ducklngs had been in water before is unknown, but they were introduced to droplets of water from the grass en route to the water.

Birds at Research Park

The light was lovely this morning and made the photographing of birds really enjoyable.   I continue to take photographs of Grey Herons in flight so must have plenty.   An obliging female Yellowhammer was particularly colourful in the morning sunlight.   I wished I'd been able to get into the frame the beautifully extended wings of the Black-headed Gull.    Will have to try again sometime soon!   What a flexible lower jaw..........

Chiffchaffs - Worts Meadow

I'd heard the song of Chiffchaffs but hadn't seen any either close enough or 'exposed' enough to photograph.   Here are a couple in Worts Meadow wood, some blossom also in the wood, and a solitary King Cup in the Moat.  

The Cam

A walk along the Towpath meant I could try and get a better photograph of a sheep (as yet still unidentified) in case that will provide more information for a friend who is seeking to identify the sheep breed for me.   Almost all the sheep were lying down!

'Black' Squirrel - our garden

Despite a lot of bird song on walks with the dogs, I'm not seeing much I can photograph effectively.  Have heard a Chiffchaff though, so will look out for an obliging one to photograph.

For several years we've had Black Squirrels in the garden.   One came to feed this morning (on the bird proof squirrel feeder) - taken through glass.   Their bellies are rust coloured with the backs a lovely mix of black and brown hair.   The tail is less dense than that of the Grey Squirrel.

Southwold Pier

A special day in that Robin and I got to Southwold and had lunch with a friend from school.    We had a short time on the pier and for the first time I noticed some convex and concave mirrors on the north side of the pier buildings.   It was also fun using the panoramic function on the Sony RX100.

 

Rowing at Clayhithe

It isn't often crews row so far downstream - on this occasion an 'eight' and a coxless 'four' - both from Cambridge City Rowing Club.   There must be a competition coming up.....

Birds at Clayhithe

A lovely morning which brought out birds and rowers (but those in a boat will appear on a separate post).

One doesn't often see a Mallard in 'flight' without its wings out!   A couple of Mute Swans and then an obliging Dunnock or Hedge Sparrow.

First Butterfly Seen!

This Peacock Butterfly was settled and so 'photographable'.   A messy background of Celandine but at least there is a record of today's sighting.   It can't have been flying around for that long but already has some damage to a wing.

First Swallow Seen!

I know it's April Fool's Day, but I really did see a Swallow this morning at Bottisham Sluice!   I wish I could have taken a photograph of it as I think this is very early to have seen one.

Instead I focused on Polo ponies being exercised.   The ponies being ridden have bridles on while those being led have only head collars.  None of them are shod.   The first image shows the fourth pony from the right (skewbald or piebald) has slipped its leading rein and took a while to be caught.   There were three riders, two of whom had two ponies being led, and one had three ponies being led - until it was free!   Normality returned in due course and the exercise continued.