December 2009
Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
After moving to Nottingham to start my new job, it wasn't until Christmas that I had an opportunity to get out to do some photography. Over the Christmas break I managed to find time to spend a couple of mornings at Attenborough Nature Reserve which is only about one mile from my house.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
All the ponds were frozen over, but I was still lucky enough to catch a Kingfisher perched on the post outside the Delta Hide when it stopped for a brief rest. It was only there for a couple of seconds but it was long enough to get a couple of photos.
male Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)
Around the visitor's centre there is a selection of wildfowl that hangs around waiting to be fed by members of the public. Among these, at the moment, is a feral/escaped Ruddy Shelduck.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Another feral species that is present at the reserve is Egyptian Goose.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Egyptian Goose is an African species which was introduced to England in the 18th Century. Outside of its main British stronghold in East Anglia, it is only found in a few small, scattered, feral populations, such as the one at Attenborough, where a couple of pairs are currently resident.
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
On New Year's day, I finally managed to see one of the Bitterns that are overwintering on the reserve. More photos of this bird will appear in next month's update...
Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
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