My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
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Saturday 17 April 2010

It's those Grebes again ...

Although I've been out and about a bit recently, I haven't yet posted the pictures. But today I went over to Barnes and the courting Great Crested Grebes were still together. No head wagging or reed-dancing this time but the weather was amazing - the sun shone and was hot; the air was comfortably fresh and there was no wind. Lovely - just my sort of weather!!

As a result the conditions for taking pictures were wonderful and the water so still. So - I just couldn't resist!!








I hadn't realised how clear the water was until I took this shot just as the Grebe dived. It's a pity I hadn't anticipated it as I've just missed getting the head in shot!!

Further around and a Little Grebe this time - pretty little birds!!

And in one area, there were at least three (and possibly four) Redshanks..


A coot family came into view.....




Elsewhere high up in a tree, a female Chaffinch

I love this time of the year when the Butterflies start being visible again..
A Speckled Wood.

and a Brimstone...



and finally a Ladybird :D


Chiff-chaffs, Blackcaps and Cetti's Warblers were heard everywhere it seemed; but only the most fleeting glimpses of all of them. And heard my first, I think, Sedge Warbler (or it could have been a Reed warbler - I'm not good at telling them apart).

Fingers crossed we'll continue to have this spell of decent weather although, looking at the forecast..........!!

12 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

The Great Crested Grebe is great, give us more please.

Neil said...

Great photos as ever - I can never resist pointing the camera at great crested grebes either!

Simon Taylor said...

Great Coot chicks.

They havent even started breeding yet on my local patch in Cornwall let alone any young.

Anonymous said...

Yes its nice to start seeing the butterflies again Tricia, particularly in the hope of seeing a different species you haven't seen before.

oldcrow61 said...

Those Grebes are wonderful. The baby coots are just too, too cute. Great pictures once again Tricia.

karen said...

Lovely photos again Tricia xx The coot chicks are great,and ugly in a cute way!!!! and its lovely to see butterflies starting to come out again xxxx A Beautiful post once again, thankyou xxx

holdingmoments said...

Excellent selection Tricia.
I think our weather has improved no end since that volcano eruption and ban on flying lol
Love those little Coot chicks. They've a beauty all their own.
Must admit I struggle to tell the difference between Sedge and Reed, when they're singing. I'd guess if it was in some bushes/brambles, it'd be a Sedge. Not had Reed Warblers here yet.

TonyC said...

Well done Tricia

That 1st shot is a cracker!!

Kevin Murphy said...

Wow! the light in those pictures is great.

Janine said...

What photogenic birds! So graceful. Nicely captured. Love the little coot chicks also.

Tricia Ryder said...

Firstly, my apologies to you all for not responding to your comments before this... just been a tad busy!

Bob - I shall be following up on their progress so watch this space...

Richard - I'm sure their mother loves them... know what you mean about Turkey Vultures.

Simon - I'm surprised you haven't seen any yet; I would have thought things would be earlier as far south as you?

Roy - I just love this time of the year when all the new flutters, damsels and dragons etc. start their life cycle again.

OC - I do like the Grebes - can't have enough of them

Karen - thank you - know what you mean about "ugly in a cute way"

Keith - I'm sure you're right; althugh on one or two days the light was a little "odd" - rather "eclipse" like!

and one day I'll get my head round Sedge and Reed songs!!

Tony - thank you - I rather like than one too ;)

Hi Irishwildlifephotograhy and thank you for visiting my blog.

The light was wonderful; doesn't often happen like that regrettably!

Janine - they are wonderful to photograph... but can be difficult at times because of the contrast of their "mahogany brown" and the whites of their under body!!

Tricia Ryder said...

Neil - know what you mean. I sometimes just don't know what to do with all the pics. But can never resist - they're such great birds!!

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