A Senior Shelduck

I spent a while observing these two Common Shelduck while they where feeding on part of the Radipole waterways recently. In respect of the photographs here I was showing that shooting through reeds provides an alternative view of interest to a clear unobstructed view.

During this time I was able to take some shots that showed leg rings on one of the ducks. It revealed the letters 'NV' on a yellow ring on the left leg. There was also a gold ring on the right leg which I was unable to identify.

I searched the Euring website and discovered that the duck had been ringed at  Seaton Marshes Devon by the Axe Estuary Ringing Group. I made contact with the group. I was informed that the duck I had photographed had been ringed at Seaton Marshes on 23 March 2013 at which time it was assessed at being 3 years old. This of course revealed that this duck was now approximately 10 years old. This is the average life span of a Common Shelduck. This duck appeared in good health and was feeding well and appeared to have no difficulty in feeding by upending and searching below the water surface. 

Apparently it continues to be sighted at Seaton during winter.

The oldest recording ringed Common Shelduck is 19 years, 7 months, 27 days. 

An Afternoon Walk at Radipole

With a pleasant sunny afternoon happening, another brief interlude from new home preparations was in order.
So a walk around Radipole Lake seemed like a good idea.

iPhone Image

The star of the day was this Shelduck that was observed feeding on a patch of water.

Along several of the waterways there were small groups of Teal Duck.

This female Reed Bunting below was not an easy target, but the images were good enough to show.

I also found a pair of Stonechat that moved about some distant reeds. 

They came into clear view on a few occasions.

This is a favourite spot for the Grey Heron.

Male House Sparrows

Spot the Marsh Harrier

This male was a long way away from my position and these are heavily cropped shots.

It was all too soon that the sun soon moved low in the sky and it was only minutes away from setting when I left.

iPhone Image

The Ravens of Portland Bill

You have probably heard of the Ravens of the Tower of London.

If you visit Portland Bill on the Southern end of the Isle of Portland you will very likely either see this pair below or certainly hear one of them croaking away with that deep call.

Single Image Post

Pied Wagtail

Brent Fun Shots

Just a few fun shots of Brent geese washing and preening.

The Glorious

Armistice Sunday

Brent Geese

 My favourite goose the Brent

This is a series I shot this week at Ferrybridge.

Most of the large flock moved out of the water on to the low shoreline to graze on the plant life scattered around the edge. I was able to approach to a reasonable distance and take the shots without disturbing them.