Monday 6 October 2008

Distant Views (& the near and far of it)















Two firsts on our recent trip to Suffolk.

Firstly within half an hour of arriving at Minsmere we had a Great Grey Shrike, a first for us so we were well pleased, a little too far off for pictures but good views in the scope.

The second first was a definite sighting of an otter. Think I have seen the tail end disappearing into the river before but this one was boldly walking where no man would up the mud flats of the Alde Estuary before submerging into the water. A little distant so the photos are record shots but really memorable.

On Dunwich Heath we came to a point where you can look into a clearing in the forest and lo and behold there was a magnificent stag sat sunning himself with a fine set of many point antlers. Again a record shot. On Dunwich Heath at this time of year you hear the stags bellowing and the crashing of antlers and if you are lucky views of the herd.

In the woods at Minsmere two sets of female and their calfs were sheltering in the trees eating acorns close to the public areas. Not in the least bothered by people, no doubt shying away from those males.

Muntjac also in this area.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great images Mike. You get days like this occasionally when it all appears in front of you as opposed to most days when you get little luck at all and have to search out for just one morsel.

Anonymous said...

Think your otter shots are distant...Sounds like a great trip

animtreebird said...

Very beautiful otters and deer. Nice photos. :)))

I was just recently reading about the Great Grey Shrike; about how they are loyal and devoted parents, and will defend their eggs and young from attack; also, I like their black eye markings. :)))

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks for your comments all.
It was certainly a very nice base where we stayed and we saw more on the estuary where we stayed than elsewhere in Suffolk.
Thanks for your comments Animtree, I appreciate the comments about the GG Shrike they are certainly very striking birds.
Mike