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Everything is Permuted

Tales of a South Downs fox... and other ramblings

Winter sun and winter gloom

Thursday, 8. January 2009, 23:51:32

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Today was another of those wonderful winter mornings, with clear skies and sunlight filtering through the trees. This shot was taken a little before 8.30, at the point the light is really coming into its own.


And good light is what you need for these little birds. Somewhere I seem to recall having complained that I rarely get decent photos of robins. I can't really sustain that position. I got a cracker earlier in the week, and today just after I'd locked the car a bright little thing landed on a sign at the edge of the car park.
Red, red robin





By lunchtime, the light had reverted to winter greys. Not the best of light for capturing colour, but less of a problem for the little pied wagtails.
Pied Wagtail

And fine for photographing this splendid rook, caught flying overhead against the leaden sky.
Rook

As for the foxes, the nicked-ear vixen is still around, but proving near impossible to photograph. She shot through the garden last night and I saw no more than a glimpse as she disappeared under the hedge. Tonight I got a better (albeit momentary) sighting as she appeared over the fence, leapt down and dashed through the rear of the garden. Again no photo, but it was good to see her racing through like that.
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Camera note: all shots taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.

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Comments

Ukwildlife 9. January 2009, 00:41

great shots. the weather was irritating today. It was sunny all morning when I couldn't go out. I had lunch went downstairs and when I came back up 2mins later there was fog and no sun! Only in Britain! lol

Words 9. January 2009, 00:45

We missed out the fog down our way, but yes it was very changeable. Forecast for tomoorow is for clear skies all day. We'll have to wait and see.

Flying Red Fox Blog 9. January 2009, 05:35

Thats a beautiful shot of the Robin :heart:

gdare 9. January 2009, 05:48

Robin was posing for you :D

cakkleberrylane 9. January 2009, 13:30

Wonderful shots! The rook is beautiful!!

lokutus_prime 9. January 2009, 15:44

Darn! you beat me to it :lol: I have taken a great shot of a robin in my garden today. When I post it please know that I'm not copying you :lol:

Words 9. January 2009, 21:04

Mark, thanks! I couldn't believe my luck when it landed right by me, in broad sunlight and not a twig in sight to block the view!

Words 9. January 2009, 21:04

Darko, it sure was :smile:

Words 9. January 2009, 21:05

Lois thanks. I'm pleased you like the rook. They've got such great faces.

Words 9. January 2009, 21:06

Lokutus, :lol: You mean there's more than one robin in England? In winter? I'm shocked! :faint:

gdare 9. January 2009, 21:08

:lol:

SittingFox 10. January 2009, 11:06

I can confirm that there are least three robins in England, and that they are all keen on fighting each other :knight:

Great shots Words! Robins always look nice but I like the wagtail just glancing over its shoulder. I don't know what it's like down your way today, but it was -9c here this morning when I was out walking Leila :smurf:

Words 10. January 2009, 11:26

Adele, it's freezing outside. It was -7c in Brighton earlier according to reports and has now climed to -5c, but we are always a few degrees below the town due to our elevation. So yes, another chilly day although some wet weather (and warmer weather) is forecast for the start of the week. Personally, I'd rather it cold and clear than warm and grey.

Cynthia23 11. January 2009, 17:21

:smile: Great photos :up: the Pied Wagtail ... WOW! Nice work! :up:

Words 11. January 2009, 18:13

Thanks Cynthia. I've got a real soft spot for the pied wagtails. Such pretty birds, despite the lack of colour, and amazing in flight when they're chasing insects.

Vulpes vulpes 21. January 2009, 17:49

The Robin really does look splendid against the contrast of the blue sky!

Words 21. January 2009, 20:29

Thanks Vulpes. I could hardly have wished for a better opportunity.

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