All Up Front.

No real chance of any birding this weekend due to various family commitments so here are two close ups of a male White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) taken during visits to a wildfowl collection.

[ F/8; 1/400; ISO 800 @ 250mm ]

The above image was taken at the end of November when the bill only just shows a hint of the major change that will take place as this male prepares for the breeding season when he sports a more colourful front end in the following March (see below).  

[ F/11; 1/160; ISO 200 @ 300mm ] 

I hope to get out tomorrow morning and see if anything new has turned up locally ... FAB.

Mandarin Tribute.

I did have different plans for my offering to World Bird Wednesday but I make no apology for posting more images of a species that is held in high esteem by both the Japanese and Chinese as a symbol of marital fidelity and happiness.

So as my tribute to all the people in Japan, whatever their nationality, currently experiencing the aftermath of the recent devastating events and undergoing such upheaval, loss of friends, loved ones etc., here are a few more recent frame filling images of their beloved Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata).    

For more bird images from around the globe please visit WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY ....... FAB. 

Gull preparing to land.

I am not usually very successful with in-flight shots but a couple from my recent walk in the park came out ok so I'm happy to share them.

Captured this Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) as it was coming into land on the only clear bit of water on the frozen pond.

Unfortunately I didn't capture a quality slash-down!  For anyone not familiar with this gull it is an adult sporting its winter plumage ... the hood will change to a dark chocolate colour next summer.    FAB