Everything is Permuted

The temperature isn't actually that low, and I suspect it's at around average for the time of year. It feels cold though, partly because of the wind factor (which is roughly northerly) but also due to the extreme contrast with last weekend. I'm certainly feeling the difference.

Out by the pond, the squirrels are getting ready for winter. Unlike the bold London squirrels I photographed last autumn, the local squirrels are cautious rural creatures. They tend to remain in close proximity to the trees, ready for a rapid escape if anyone intrudes too much on their space. Still, it's nut-gathering time and they do have to venture down to ground level occasionally.


While the squirrels are foraging, just a short distance away another shy creature is out feeding. Green woodpeckers are mainly ground feeders, foraging for insect with their powerful bill. They have a particular fondness for ants (they are experts at identifying hidden ant hills), but their diet can be varied and include fruits.


The local cormorant is still around. It seems to have developed a habit of early morning visits to the pond for breakfast before disappearing inland over the Downs, possibly to other secluded watering holes.






Cold it may be, but we're also enjoying some beautiful, richly coloured sunsets.



Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D EF and 400mm f/5.6L USM lens.