A funny little turn

Some wonderful terns nesting in Blakeney Point this year including several pairs of Little Tern. Viewed and photographed from a safe distance aboard ‘Temples Boats’.

Retreating with the tide

Red necked Grebes in Norfolk are normally seen at some range as they bob about on distant waves. This one came in close last week. It patrolled up and down in the harbour as it made shallow dives for fish. As the tide receded so did the bird; gradually making its way towards the harbour mouth.

 

Metamorph

Feather tracts on birds all have fascinating names:, Primaries, Secondaries, Auxilaries, Scapulars and what about the Alula! There’s a whole family of Coverts; Medium, Lesser and Greater. Even the Primaries and Secondaries are split into groups: Inner and outer. The moulting of these feather tracts the order in which they are replaced and when during the year the change takes place is fascinating.

It is interesting to note the changes in the Caister Rose Coloured Starling since it first arrived. It is now moving from a nondescript puce starling towards a pink and black stunner … a feather at a time.