Cormorant

Found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries, it is increasingly being seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits.

Photographed on a foggy morning.

British socialist stalwart Tony Benn dies at 88

RIP

I am terribly sorry, but blogger has taken it on itself by making it too bright for me, and so are you. So, if you would like to look at http://jalbum.net/en/browse/user/album/1308728

Mute Swan [Cygnus olor]

The mute swan is a very large white waterbird. It has a long S-shaped neck, and an orange bill with black at the base of it. Flies with its neck extended and regular slow wingbeats. The population in the UK has increased recently, perhaps due to better protection of this species. The problem of lead poisoning on lowland rivers has also largely been solved by a ban on the sale of lead fishing weights. Some birds stay in their territories all year, while others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into eastern England.

Coot hiding or making the nest?

It's too early to make a nest, or is it?

Goldfinch [Carduelis carduelis]

A highly coloured finch with a bright red face and yellow wing patch. Sociable, often breeding in loose colonies, they have a delightful liquid twittering song and call. Their long fine beaks allow them to extract otherwise inaccessible seeds from thistles and teasels. Increasingly they are visiting birdtables and feeders. In winter many UK goldfinches migrate as far south as Spain.

Oystercatcher [Haematopus ostralegus]

Yet again, but I could give you more...........................