Expect the Unexpected

ByDawn

Had the day off work today, so of course I headed over to the Fen, hoping to try photographing the Redwing again. Unfortunately it looks like they have moved on. Lots of birds around today though, all quite vocal in the mild temperature especially the Great tits. Saw a Shelduck at the far end, and large numbers of gulls. Then I saw a strange looking goose, I think this is a hybrid bird, presumably Canada X Greylag goose given the markings. It was associating with the Canada geese, and looks like it was paired with one of them. Took a record shot just for interest…

Interesting article here: http://www.gobirding.eu/Photos/HybridGeese.php on hybrid geese. I’ve never heard of a ‘Swoose’ before!

Walking back up through the woodland, I saw a movement near the edge of the path. A Roe deer, just the other side of the fence, just a few meters away! She hadn’t heard me, so I froze and watched her. She was picking at the vegetation, tiptoeing though the bracken and grass, so lovely to see. I noticed a couple walking up ahead on the path, as they got closer, the deer lifted her head and stared at them, she heard them long before I could. She waited until they were pretty close before prancing away. She didn’t go too far though, and then relaxed again. I walked up quietly to a clearer spot, and waited for her to emerge. She spotted me, but didn’t seem alarmed.

She grazed a little while longer, and then slowly made her way to the woodland. I came across her again, further up the path. I crouched down and kept still and she came closer – seemingly as curious about me as I was about her, we watched each other for several minutes. Suddenly there was a slight breeze and she caught my scent, she pranced away, the spell broken. I heard her barking further away in the woodland. Just magic watching such a beautiful animal.

Decided to head back, but on the way I came across what I feared was a dead animal at the base of a tree. Just a pile of greyish fuzz. The greyish fuzz blinked. I realised it was definitely alive, and was a large bird…

It’s a Rhea, more commonly found in South America! See, the wildlife comes from far and wide to enjoy the benefit and beauty of the Fen!! I assume this is an escapee, I hope it gets home safely! The warden seemed as astonished as I was!

What will I see next time….?!

(Click images to view larger…)

Similar Posts

  • Peek-a-boo

    ByDawn

    Over the Fen this morning, couldn’t resist photographing this little rabbit as he peeked out of his burrow at me. Sunshine and showers kept the Sedge and Reed warblers hiding low in the vegetation, but the Cuckoo was still singing away. Five Roe deer were very camera shy, only the rabbits would let me photograph…

  • On the Fen

    ByDawn

    Nice to get behind the lens again. Visited the Fen (Redgrave and Lopham Fen) this week. Lot’s of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies about, as well as a couple of Kestrels, I had a lovely close encounter with one. Unfortunately I only had my macro lens with me! Here’s a slightly worn Speckled Wood butterfly. (With…

  • Footprints in the mud

    ByDawn

    Winter is a great time for searching for tracks and signs of animals. These prints appeared in the garden recently, and setting up the remote camera showed they belonged to a rather handsome Muntjac deer. He’s a regular night time visitor now, finishing up the apple I put out for the Blackbirds. Take a look…

  • Bee Kind

    ByDawn

    Usual Sunday morning chores interrupted today when I noticed a queen Buff-tailed Bumblebee sitting on the kitchen windowsill, she must have got stuck indoors the previous evening. She dived into the offered teaspoon of honey, allowing me a photo opportunity. Many people regard bees rather warily, but they are fascinating and important creatures. Bumblebee’s are…

  • Not Otters

    ByDawn

    Sometimes you can try too hard. My lovely boss let me have the day off (thanks!) and to make the most of every minute, and hoping to avoid other photographers, I was out at first light – first car in the car park.  Nothing doing. Retracing my steps up and down the rivers, still nothing….

3 Comments

  1. Wow!!! You are certainly seeing some unexpected creatures and you have a really good way with words; perhaps photography needs to be your second string. I just had to check it wasn’t April 1st!
    We have had a good day out today round and about Thetford; although we did get lost when we went to see the Hawfinches at Lynford paddock, I don’t know where we wen t wrong perhaps Drew could give us a ring?
    Did see Brambling, Reed Buntings & Tree Sparrows though.
    Where did the Rhea come from?

  2. Come to think of it, I think Jan or Drew & I saw something similar at Thetford Garden Centre (the field next to the cafe because I remember it caused us some confusion as to identifying it.

    1. Thanks Rob, 🙂

      The warden suggested it may have come from Banham Zoo! Although, I have heard of people keeping these birds – not sure whether for food or as pets. Perhaps someone nearby keeps them.

      I believe the land next to Thetford Garden Centre used to be an animal park of some sort. Mum says she remembers it.

      Always nice to see Brambling and Tree Sparrows – don’t get them on the Fen!!

      I’ll ask Drew to give you a ring.

      See you soon,

      Dawn.

Leave a Reply