Wildlife by Lady Cate

In the previous post I mentioned the birds I had identified here at the Granary Yacht Harbour. So here are pictures of some of them. They are really good photos; not mine I hasten to add. Rather I'm learning how to raid the web for pics!

A lapwing seen from the Robbie Garrett Hide at Slimbridge, which is just up the road from Melton, autumn 2014, taken by 
Edmund Kennerley.


www.flickr.com.

The oyster catchers were very entertaining. Comical characters one can watch for ages. I say were, as they all seem to have left a couple of days ago. My book says they gather in large flocks outside the breeding season, so maybe our dozen or so have gone to find more friends. I don't think we have enough food here for a flock!
This pic was taken by Margaret Holland 'Oyster catcher hunting the tide line in Norfolk' 24 02 15. www.flickr.com.

I have seen cormorants working up and down the river. They can stay underwater for a very long time and they usually surface where you are least expecting them.

This picture was taken by David Adamson on 22.06.14 but he doesn't say where. www.flickr.com.

The snipe is well camouflaged and practically invisible if you are looking up sun. It's about 25cms long, struts purposefully and suddenly strikes for its prey.

Photo by mjeedlbr 23.08.15. www.flickr.com

The curlew with its down turned beak is easily recognised. They stride haughtily along the tide's edge seemingly with their nose upturned.  How can this be?! Then they nonchalantly lower their beaks in to the water, stir it up a bit and, lo, food!

Photo by Nick Wakeling 10.09.14 in the Wader Aviary at  Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, which is also near here. www.flickr.com

Finally the little egret. This graceful creature strides languidly through the shallows, stops dead still, focuses without movement then pounces. It is so beautiful, especially for being delicately small at only 60cm in length.

Photo by Janet Sharp 23.06.15 www.flickr.com




Gulls and terns another day.