Total Pageviews

Followers

Translate

Sunday 28 July 2013

Mandarin Duck [taken back in May] (Aix galericulata)

The male has the most elaborate and ornate plumage with distinctive long orange feathers on the side of the face, orange 'sails' on the back, and pale orange flanks. The female is dull by comparison with a grey head and white stripe behind the eye, brown back and mottled flanks. They were introduced to the UK from China and have become established following escapes from captivity. (RSPB)






Friday 26 July 2013

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)

These delightful silvery-grey and white birds have long tails which have earned them the nickname 'sea-swallow'. They have a buoyant, graceful flight and frequently hover over water before plunging down for a fish. They are often noisy in company and breed in colonies. (RSPB)





Thursday 25 July 2013

Redshank (Tringa totanus)

As its name suggests, redshanks' most distinctive features are their bright orange-red legs. They have a medium-length bill with an orange base to match, brown speckled back and wings and paler belly. (RSPB)
This one was taken in poor conditions.