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  • Rough sea on the British coast
    144672.jpg
  • Rough sea on the British coast
    144679.jpg
  • Stormy Sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161510.jpg
  • Stormy sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161509.jpg
  • Stormy sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161507.jpg
  • Stormy sea with Gannet - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161506.jpg
  • Stormy sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161508.jpg
  • Dawn waves break over a large rock in Old Town Bay, St Mary's. Isles of Scilly
    159692.jpg
  • Fishing Boat with following gulls, with Sheringham shoal wind turbines in background,  Norfolk UK
    157084.jpg
  • Wylfa Nuclear Plant from Cemlyn Bay Nature Reserve, Anglesey, Wales
    153739.jpg
  • Wylfa Nuclear Plant from Cemlyn Bay Nature Reserve, Anglesey, Wales
    153740.jpg
  • Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia L 70-80cm. Unmistakable. Flattened, spoon-shaped bill is swept from side-to-side in shallow water to catch small fish and crustaceans. Sleeps with bill tucked under wings - confusion with Little Egret possible. Sexes are similar. Adult has whitish plumage and black bill with yellow tip; in breeding season, has crest and base of bill and breast are flushed yellow. Juvenile is similar but legs and bill are dull pink. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce nesting species and non-breeding visitor from mainland Europe. Most records are coastal.
    157025.jpg
  • Off-shore wind turbines, Sheringham shoal, Norfolk UK
    155720.jpg
  • Wind Turbines Winterton Norfok UK
    139556.jpg
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    156881.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    156795.jpg
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor. Close up of adult head. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    155089.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    128240.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    128813.jpg
  • Bittern Botaurus stellaris L 70-80cm. Shy and superbly camouflaged, hence hard to see in reedbeds. Posture is usually hunched but ‘skypoints’ and sways if alarmed. Bill is dagger-like and legs and feet are long and powerful. Superficially owl-like in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has brown plumage with intricate dark markings. Juvenile is similar but crown and ‘moustache’ are paler. Voice Territorial males ‘boom’ in spring. Status Favours large reedbeds with shallow water for feeding. Outside breeding season, sometimes seen in smaller wetlands.
    128912.jpg
  • Roller Coracias garrulus. Length 30-32cm. A colourful and unmistakeable bird of crow-like proportions and size, with a powerful, hook-tipped bill. Adult has a blue head, neck and underparts, palest on the forehead and with a narrow dark patch through the eye. The back is chestnut and the rump, tail and parts of the wing are bluish-purple. In flight, the wings look striking, the dark flight feathers contrasting with the paler blue coverts; note also the dark tips to the otherwise pale blue outer tail feathers. Juvenile has similar markings but the colours are much duller. The Roller breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa, and most records in our region (four or five in a good year) occur around migration times. Vagrants are usually found in dry, open habitats such as heaths, and typically perch out in the open.
    129082.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    133064.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    137380.jpg
  • Bittern Botaurus stellaris L 70-80cm. Shy and superbly camouflaged, hence hard to see in reedbeds. Posture is usually hunched but ‘skypoints’ and sways if alarmed. Bill is dagger-like and legs and feet are long and powerful. Superficially owl-like in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has brown plumage with intricate dark markings. Juvenile is similar but crown and ‘moustache’ are paler. Voice Territorial males ‘boom’ in spring. Status Favours large reedbeds with shallow water for feeding. Outside breeding season, sometimes seen in smaller wetlands.
    139825.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    143108.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143919.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    145628.jpg
  • Mute Swan - Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    158070.jpg
  • Nightingale - Luscinia megarhynchos. L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    158002.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    157721.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    157709.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    156875.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    156658.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    156540.jpg
  • Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri L 40-42cm. Colourful and distinctive alien with long-tailed outline in flight. Powerful bill is used to feed on nuts and fruits. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly green plumage with dark flight feathers. Note red bill and eyering, pinkish neck ring has dark lower border that links to black throat. Adult female is similar but lacks neck or throat markings. Voice Utters loud, squawking calls. Status Feral populations are established locally; leafy suburbs of W London are a stronghold.
    129097.jpg
  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
    155974.jpg
  • Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus L 43cm. Distinctive wader with striking black and white plumage and loud alarm call. Powerful bill used to hammer molluscs off rocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between the two on breast. Note red bill, pinkish legs and beady red eye. In winter, similar but note white half-collar. Juvenile is similar to summer adult but black elements of plumage are brownish and bill and leg colours are subdued. Voice Utters a loud, piping peep call. Status Breeds commonly on coast and beside inland lakes and rivers in N. Mainly coastal in winter, favouring estuaries and mudflats.
    155723.jpg
  • Oystercatchers in flight - Haematopus palliatus. L 43cm. Distinctive wader with striking black and white plumage and loud alarm call. Powerful bill used to hammer molluscs off rocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between the two on breast. Note red bill, pinkish legs and beady red eye. In winter, similar but note white half-collar. Juvenile is similar to summer adult but black elements of plumage are brownish and bill and leg colours are subdued. Voice Utters a loud, piping peep call. Status Breeds commonly on coast and beside inland lakes and rivers in N. Mainly coastal in winter, favouring estuaries and mudflats.
    155187.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - Juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    155088.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155046.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155047.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155049.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155052.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155054.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155056.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155055.jpg
  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
    155058.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154991.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154993.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts
    154997.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154920.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor - juvenile. L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    154646.jpg
  • Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus L 43cm. Distinctive wader with striking black and white plumage and loud alarm call. Powerful bill used to hammer molluscs off rocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between the two on breast. Note red bill, pinkish legs and beady red eye. In winter, similar but note white half-collar. Juvenile is similar to summer adult but black elements of plumage are brownish and bill and leg colours are subdued. Voice Utters a loud, piping peep call. Status Breeds commonly on coast and beside inland lakes and rivers in N. Mainly coastal in winter, favouring estuaries and mudflats.
    153792.jpg
  • Gannets -  Morus bassanus feeding on the ocean, Isles of Scilly, UK. W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    154404.jpg
  • Dipper - Cinclus cinclus - juvenile. L 18cm. Dumpy waterside bird that perches on river boulders. Flies low over water. Dives readily in search of invertebrates. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark grey-brown wings, back and tail. Head is reddish brown and throat and breast (bib) are white. Belly grades from reddish chestnut at front to blackish brown at rear. Legs and feet are stout and powerful. Juvenile has greyish upperparts and barred, pale underparts. Voice Utters a shrill striitz call. Status Fairly common but local on fast-flowing streams and rivers.
    153886.jpg
  • Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri L 40-42cm. Colourful and distinctive alien with long-tailed outline in flight. Powerful bill is used to feed on nuts and fruits. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly green plumage with dark flight feathers. Note red bill and eyering, pinkish neck ring has dark lower border that links to black throat. Adult female is similar but lacks neck or throat markings. Voice Utters loud, squawking calls. Status Feral populations are established locally; leafy suburbs of W London are a stronghold.
    153710.jpg
  • Marbled Electric Ray Torpedo marmorata Length to 150cm<br />
Unusual ray, capable of delivering powerful shock (up to 220 volts) from organs in pectoral fins. Adult has unmistakable, rounded outline; tail is relatively short with rounded dorsal fins. Body upper surface is mottled and marbled grey-brown. Scarce, mainly in W and SW.
    142569.jpg
  • Striped Red Mullet Mullus surmuletus Length to 40cm<br />
Striking, colourful fish. Sometimes found inshore, on sandy and muddy substrates. Adult has a powerful, thickset body. Head is relatively large and blunt, with 2 barbels. Overall colour is red with darker and yellow lengthways stripes on sides. 1st dorsal fin is striped. Fairly common in S and SW.
    142506.jpg
  • Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta Length 90-140cm Powerful predator and scavenger. Lives in family groups and an active predator as well as scavenger. Coat is buffish-brown with variable degrees of darker spotting. Widespread but local in sub-Saharan Africa, restricted to savannah grassland habitats.
    112044.jpg
  • Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta Length 90-140cm Powerful predator and scavenger. Lives in family groups and an active predator as well as scavenger. Coat is buffish-brown with variable degrees of darker spotting. Widespread but local in sub-Saharan Africa, restricted to savannah grassland habitats.
    112607.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    116012.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    116387.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    126352.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    128124.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    128332.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
    144272.jpg
  • Common Seal Phoca vitulina Length 1.2-1.9m Has a ‘friendly’-looking face. Hauled-out seals are easy to observe. Adult is greyish brown but variably mottled with darker spots. Underside is paler than upperside. Dry coat looks shiny if coated in sand. Bridge of nose has concave outline (convex in Grey Seal) and muzzle is blunt, creating a dog-like appearance. Seen from front, nostrils are close together at base and splayed in V-shaped fashion (separated from, and more parallel to, one another in Grey Seal). Front flippers have claws and powerful hind flippers effect propulsion when swimming. Males are larger and heavier than females. Pup is born with marbled grey-brown coat. Widespread on E coast of England and around Scotland and Ireland generally.
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  • Dipper Cinclus cinclus L 18cm. Dumpy waterside bird that perches on river boulders. Flies low over water. Dives readily in search of invertebrates. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark grey-brown wings, back and tail. Head is reddish brown and throat and breast (bib) are white. Belly grades from reddish chestnut at front to blackish brown at rear. Legs and feet are stout and powerful. Juvenile has greyish upperparts and barred, pale underparts. Voice Utters a shrill striitz call. Status Fairly common but local on fast-flowing streams and rivers.
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  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    121954.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
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  • Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa L 16-18cm. More robust and longer-winged than British Storm-petrel; flight is ever-changing flight with powerful wingbeats and glides. Sexes are similar. Adult is dark sooty-grey except for pale panel on upperwing coverts. Fork in tail and grey central line on rump can be hard. Underwings are all-dark. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Silent at sea; weird gurgling rattles are heard when nesting. Status Truly oceanic. Very locally common but hard to see. Only willingly comes close to land after dark, at breeding colonies.
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  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos. Westerly gales in September and October bring with them a crop of waders from across the Atlantic. Being powerful fliers, virtually any species that breeds in North America is a contender. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (L 19-22cm) recalls a Dunlin but has yellow legs, white stripes on the back, and a clear demarcation between the clean white underparts and streaked breast.
    129034.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Bittern Botaurus stellaris L 70-80cm. Shy and superbly camouflaged, hence hard to see in reedbeds. Posture is usually hunched but ‘skypoints’ and sways if alarmed. Bill is dagger-like and legs and feet are long and powerful. Superficially owl-like in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has brown plumage with intricate dark markings. Juvenile is similar but crown and ‘moustache’ are paler. Voice Territorial males ‘boom’ in spring. Status Favours large reedbeds with shallow water for feeding. Outside breeding season, sometimes seen in smaller wetlands.
    133022.jpg
  • Bittern Botaurus stellaris L 70-80cm. Shy and superbly camouflaged, hence hard to see in reedbeds. Posture is usually hunched but ‘skypoints’ and sways if alarmed. Bill is dagger-like and legs and feet are long and powerful. Superficially owl-like in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has brown plumage with intricate dark markings. Juvenile is similar but crown and ‘moustache’ are paler. Voice Territorial males ‘boom’ in spring. Status Favours large reedbeds with shallow water for feeding. Outside breeding season, sometimes seen in smaller wetlands.
    133023.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
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  • Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus L 43cm. Distinctive wader with striking black and white plumage and loud alarm call. Powerful bill used to hammer molluscs off rocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between the two on breast. Note red bill, pinkish legs and beady red eye. In winter, similar but note white half-collar. Juvenile is similar to summer adult but black elements of plumage are brownish and bill and leg colours are subdued. Voice Utters a loud, piping peep call. Status Breeds commonly on coast and beside inland lakes and rivers in N. Mainly coastal in winter, favouring estuaries and mudflats.
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  • Dipper Cinclus cinclus L 18cm. Dumpy waterside bird that perches on river boulders. Flies low over water. Dives readily in search of invertebrates. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark grey-brown wings, back and tail. Head is reddish brown and throat and breast (bib) are white. Belly grades from reddish chestnut at front to blackish brown at rear. Legs and feet are stout and powerful. Juvenile has greyish upperparts and barred, pale underparts. Voice Utters a shrill striitz call. Status Fairly common but local on fast-flowing streams and rivers.
    136398.jpg
  • Dipper Cinclus cinclus L 18cm. Dumpy waterside bird that perches on river boulders. Flies low over water. Dives readily in search of invertebrates. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark grey-brown wings, back and tail. Head is reddish brown and throat and breast (bib) are white. Belly grades from reddish chestnut at front to blackish brown at rear. Legs and feet are stout and powerful. Juvenile has greyish upperparts and barred, pale underparts. Voice Utters a shrill striitz call. Status Fairly common but local on fast-flowing streams and rivers.
    136405.jpg
  • Dipper Cinclus cinclus L 18cm. Dumpy waterside bird that perches on river boulders. Flies low over water. Dives readily in search of invertebrates. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark grey-brown wings, back and tail. Head is reddish brown and throat and breast (bib) are white. Belly grades from reddish chestnut at front to blackish brown at rear. Legs and feet are stout and powerful. Juvenile has greyish upperparts and barred, pale underparts. Voice Utters a shrill striitz call. Status Fairly common but local on fast-flowing streams and rivers.
    136406.jpg
  • Dipper Cinclus cinclus L 18cm. Dumpy waterside bird that perches on river boulders. Flies low over water. Dives readily in search of invertebrates. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark grey-brown wings, back and tail. Head is reddish brown and throat and breast (bib) are white. Belly grades from reddish chestnut at front to blackish brown at rear. Legs and feet are stout and powerful. Juvenile has greyish upperparts and barred, pale underparts. Voice Utters a shrill striitz call. Status Fairly common but local on fast-flowing streams and rivers.
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  • Peregrine Falco peregrinus W 95-115cm. One of our most impressive raptors. Soars on broad, bowed wings but stoops with wings swept back at phenomenal speed on prey such as pigeons. Sexes are similar but male is smaller than female. Adult has dark blue-grey upperparts and pale, barred underparts. Note dark mask on face and powerful, yellow legs and feet. In flight from above, looks uniformly dark grey although rump may appear paler; from below, pale underparts are barred and contrast between pale cheeks and throat, and dark moustache, is striking. Juvenile is similar to adult but upperparts are brownish while paler underparts are suffused with buffish orange. Voice Utters a loud kek-kek-kek… in alarm. Status Widespread resident in N and W Britain and Ireland. Population is recovering following crash caused by pesticide contamination in 1960s. Favours mountains and coastal cliffs but increasingly nests in towns and cities.
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  • Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. Westerly gales in September and October bring with them a crop of waders from across the Atlantic. Being powerful fliers, virtually any species that breeds in North America is a contender. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (L 18-20cm) recalls a juvenile Ruff that is buffish overall with a scaly-looking back and yellow legs; usually found on short, coastal grassland.
    136854.jpg
  • Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. Westerly gales in September and October bring with them a crop of waders from across the Atlantic. Being powerful fliers, virtually any species that breeds in North America is a contender. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (L 18-20cm) recalls a juvenile Ruff that is buffish overall with a scaly-looking back and yellow legs; usually found on short, coastal grassland.
    136853.jpg
  • Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis. Westerly gales in September and October bring with them a crop of waders from across the Atlantic. Being powerful fliers, virtually any species that breeds in North America is a contender. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (L 18-20cm) recalls a juvenile Ruff that is buffish overall with a scaly-looking back and yellow legs; usually found on short, coastal grassland.
    136855.jpg
  • Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos. Westerly gales in September and October bring with them a crop of waders from across the Atlantic. Being powerful fliers, virtually any species that breeds in North America is a contender. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (L 19-22cm) recalls a Dunlin but has yellow legs, white stripes on the back, and a clear demarcation between the clean white underparts and streaked breast.
    136856.jpg
  • Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos. Westerly gales in September and October bring with them a crop of waders from across the Atlantic. Being powerful fliers, virtually any species that breeds in North America is a contender. Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (L 19-22cm) recalls a Dunlin but has yellow legs, white stripes on the back, and a clear demarcation between the clean white underparts and streaked breast.
    136860.jpg
  • Mute Swan Cygnus olor L 150-160cm. Large, distinctive water bird and a familiar sight. Swimming birds hold long neck in an elegant curve. Family groups are a feature of lowland lakes in spring. Typically tolerant of people. In flight, shallow, powerful wingbeats produce and characteristic, throbbing whine. Sexes are similar but bill’s basal knob is largest in males. Adult has white plumage although crown may have orange-buff suffusion. Bill is orange-red with black base. Juvenile has grubby grey-brown plumage and dull pinkish grey bill. Voice Mostly silent. Status Our commonest swan; the only resident species. Found on freshwater habitats besides which it nests; in winter, also on sheltered coasts.
    137580.jpg
  • Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus L 43cm. Distinctive wader with striking black and white plumage and loud alarm call. Powerful bill used to hammer molluscs off rocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between the two on breast. Note red bill, pinkish legs and beady red eye. In winter, similar but note white half-collar. Juvenile is similar to summer adult but black elements of plumage are brownish and bill and leg colours are subdued. Voice Utters a loud, piping peep call. Status Breeds commonly on coast and beside inland lakes and rivers in N. Mainly coastal in winter, favouring estuaries and mudflats.
    137621.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    137841.jpg
  • Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.
    137846.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    137938.jpg
  • Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus L 43cm. Distinctive wader with striking black and white plumage and loud alarm call. Powerful bill used to hammer molluscs off rocks. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between the two on breast. Note red bill, pinkish legs and beady red eye. In winter, similar but note white half-collar. Juvenile is similar to summer adult but black elements of plumage are brownish and bill and leg colours are subdued. Voice Utters a loud, piping peep call. Status Breeds commonly on coast and beside inland lakes and rivers in N. Mainly coastal in winter, favouring estuaries and mudflats.
    139523.jpg
  • Bittern Botaurus stellaris L 70-80cm. Shy and superbly camouflaged, hence hard to see in reedbeds. Posture is usually hunched but ‘skypoints’ and sways if alarmed. Bill is dagger-like and legs and feet are long and powerful. Superficially owl-like in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has brown plumage with intricate dark markings. Juvenile is similar but crown and ‘moustache’ are paler. Voice Territorial males ‘boom’ in spring. Status Favours large reedbeds with shallow water for feeding. Outside breeding season, sometimes seen in smaller wetlands.
    139823.jpg
  • Bittern Botaurus stellaris L 70-80cm. Shy and superbly camouflaged, hence hard to see in reedbeds. Posture is usually hunched but ‘skypoints’ and sways if alarmed. Bill is dagger-like and legs and feet are long and powerful. Superficially owl-like in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has brown plumage with intricate dark markings. Juvenile is similar but crown and ‘moustache’ are paler. Voice Territorial males ‘boom’ in spring. Status Favours large reedbeds with shallow water for feeding. Outside breeding season, sometimes seen in smaller wetlands.
    139824.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140267.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140303.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140307.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140308.jpg
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