Robin (Erithacus rubecula)

This is our resident robin – so far I've never seen it with a partner. I'm not certain in any way, but I'm guessing any permanent pairing up will now happen in the spring.

All Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm IS USM prime lens

 

Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Bird feeders can, of course, be something of a magnet for non-avian species keen to grab a meal on the go.  I've had a problem with the amount of seed spillage from my feeders and, quick to seize on a free lunch, three Brown Rats have become regular visitors. Two are juveniles (shown here) which are quite appealing, and then there is an adult which is huge and decidedly not cute! What I sadly can't allow is for the rats to see the feeding area as an open-all-day diner where they can much on seeds and fallen scraps of suet fat balls. That's why I've changed the feeding regimen: I've replaced the feeders with non-spill versions, the feeders are taken in overnight, and I now take care not to overfeed the birds. 

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400mm IS USM prime lens, f/5.6, 1,320th sec, ISO 4000 

Male House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

This shot was taken from inside the house through an open window. The rain had been unrelenting and this chap was one of the first to come to the feeders once the rain started to ease. I love the raindrop at the end of his beak.

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm IS USM prime lens

Female Blackbird (Turdus merula)

This female Blackbird is one of a couple resident close by. If anything, it is the female of the pair that is the more confident, the male seemingly always one step behind.

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400mm IS USM prime lens, f/8.0, 1/320th sec, ISO 800

Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

This juvenile rat turned up just a few minutes after I had re-stocked some of the coconut shell bird feeders with suet and seed fat balls. It then spent the next half an hour paying regular visits to bite off a few chunks before disappearing again.

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/11 - f/8.0 1/320th sec, ISO 800

Common or Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)

Huxley, my 11-year-old Lab/Springer cross, and I came across this juvenile Common (or Harbor) Seal resting on the beach a stone's throw from the house. Common Seals frequently haul themselves on to land to rest and/or to digest food. This individual seemed comfortable, uninjured and alert. Needless to say, Hux was tied up a good distance away from the seal so as not to spook it and, although the seal may appear close to the lens, there was a good distance between the two of us and at no time did it seem concerned.

iPhone image

 

Collared Dove (Streptopelia Decaocto)

This individual was one of three Collared Doves to come into the feeders today. I've always found them to be handsome birds. The pale blue and light brown livery is stunning. Their distinctive (and long-lasting) cooing – which some find intensely annoying – has them down as one of our noisiest garden birds.  I say coo away – they pair for life and use the call to warn of predators and other birds straying into their territory.

Canon 5dMk III, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/8, 1/640th sec, ISO 800

 

Garden visitors

Just a handful of shots from yesterday. I particularly like the imposing figure of the Starling in image 1, and the statuesque nature of the final shot. It's almost as if the House Sparrow is trying to appear raptor-like.

All Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens