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

 

Today's garden visitors

Just some of the visitors to the garden today. Others included a first visit by a Chaffinch. I got the shot but only through window glass, so it's very soft. The Starling in the opening shot was squawking angrily at a Woodpigeon. I've no idea why.

All shots: Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens

 

Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm pime lens, f/5.6, 1/160th sec, ISO 800

 

Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)

Because it is such a common sight, I think it's easy to overlook quite what an attractive bird the Woodpigeon is. The subtle shades of the mauve/grey plumage are gorgeous and the eye is stunning. This individual was feeding on a seed mix thrown on to the ground around the feeders.

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/6.3, 1/320th sec, ISO 800

Tawny Grisette mushroom

My ID skills when it comes to fungi are woeful, but I do think I'm right in identifying this one as Tawny Grisette. I don't take too many mushroom and toadstool images. but I do want to do more. They can be so very atmospheric.

Canon 1Ds MkIII, f/5.6, 1/2,500th sec, ISO 400  

 

Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)

Eleven grams of welcome garden colour…

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/8.0. 1/500th seco, ISO 800

 

Dunnock (Prunella modularis)

I get a lot of Dunnocks in the garden and every time I see one I can see the logic behind their heritage name, the Hedge Sparrow. From a distance they can look very much like a female House Sparrow, but they tend to spend much more time on the ground. Closer in, I think the Dunnock is a rather pretty little bird. In terms of the feeding station hierarchy, they probably come in second. First, to arrive are hordes of sparrows, then the Dunnocks will show up on foot. Blue Tits will be next, encouraged by the commotion no doubt, then small groups of Starlings, which I think show up suddenly like members of a biker gang – dressed in glossy black, loud and bossing the gathering.

Canon 5d Mk III, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/8.0, 1,500th sec, ISO 800

 

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

 This chap didn't stay long but long enough…

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Male House Sparrow

Canon 5d MKIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/10, 1/800th sec, ISO 800

 

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

A picture postcard line-up of House Sparrows…

Canon 5d MkIII, Canon 400mm prime lens, f/11, 1/1,000th sec

 

Starling (Sternus vulgaris)

A trio of Starling images that I think show well the spectacular markings on this common garden visitor. In fact, I would go as far as to say that, in the right light, the Starling's livery rivals even that of a Kingfisher. The first image also shows well how a Starling's beak colour helps with determining sex and age. The yellow beaked bird on the right is a mature individual, while the darker beak of the bird on the left probably indicates a juvenile. However, in the spring a yellow beak is also a sign the bird is ready to mate. Finally, a blue base to the beak indicates a male bird, while a pink base shows a female.

All Canon 5d MkIII and Canon 400mm prime lens