Showing posts with label Pintail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pintail. Show all posts

Monday, 5 February 2024

RSPB Minsmere with new Des Res for Kittiwakes


Birds galore
 

David and I checked the forecast last Saturday, which didn't promise much in the way of sunlight, but we set off anyway. In fact, the early February weather, on the day after World Wetlands Day, was superb. There were plenty of ducks about on the scrape behind East Hide.

 

The structure above was hard to miss, with its distinctive yellow base. I assumed it was to do with the new and controversial Sizewell C. However, it turns out to be a Kittiwake Hotel (see here also) for Black-legged Kittiwakes.  


We had a good view across to Southwold.

Is this a Great Northern Diver in winter plumage?


You can reach East Hide via the new boardwalk below.


You can see some of the birds we saw and heard.

It was almost balmy on the beach. You can see the coastguard cottages on Dunwich Heath.

I wonder how this view will change ...

We saw several Shovelers on the scrape

Not all the ducks were so alert ...

... and neither were the Lapwing.

It was a joy to watch this elegant Pintail ...

... and to see this pair of Shovelers.

The light kept catching our eye ...

... and the clouds at sunset.


By the time the rain began, we were heading for home.

 

Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Beautiful Birds (20): WWT Llanelli

Spring is in the air ... 
                                            
                 ... and the Terns were squabbling, making their presence felt once again. 


The bird was very busy preening ...
... and was quite unaware of my presence.
Here it is, all spruced up for spring.
The willows in the Wetlands are now in full bloom, and birdsong fills the air. 
These Pintail were enjoying themselves on the water ...
... while the Rook seemed quite contented on her nest. 
This Gadwall blended in beautifully with his surroundings. 
Let me know if you can identify this little fellow! Is it a female Tufted Duck, perhaps?
King Cormorant of the Castle!