Astronomy, Photography and Weather

General Category => Photography => Topic started by: JohnC on November 29, 2010, 12:50:22 pm



Title: Frozen Pond
Post by: JohnC on November 29, 2010, 12:50:22 pm
Our pond has frozen over but the two cascades keep a small area ice-free for the fish. I had to put up a set of canes with coloured plastic bags between them to deter the ducks- we don't mind the original Mr. & Mrs. Duck, as we call them, but they must have told their friends- we had 10 a few days ago before the freeze. I thought they had to land on water but they don't. They landed on the grass and  one promptly fell over and some others  flew over the canes , hovered in the air like a kestrel and came slowly down onto the water. I left the canes there for 3 days and it seems to have deterred all but the original two and one other so we don't mind that but they shouldn't really be here but it''s hard to not let them eat the fallen bird seed from the feeders in this weather. So I was able to get some shots of them about 8.30am  yesterday but the light wasn't good (800 ISO f4) and taken from the dining room through the patio doors.

I thought I better get these posted before Martin gets his snow photos up or these won't get a look in  ;D


(http://i54.tinypic.com/2ir98g2.jpg)

(http://i54.tinypic.com/12492cx.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/28kk3ko.jpg)

(http://i51.tinypic.com/28ian2h.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/lfot4.jpg)

(http://i52.tinypic.com/33dcutt.jpg)

(http://i54.tinypic.com/11gmtl5.jpg)

(http://i56.tinypic.com/3342jo6.jpg)

(http://i54.tinypic.com/2n0vxxl.jpg)



Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: martinastro on November 29, 2010, 03:28:01 pm
Very nice John, the images really do tell a story of their own, evidence if evidence were needed which show how cold it's getting across the UK at the moment :).


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: rjgjr on November 29, 2010, 03:52:09 pm
Mighty fine set of photos John. The cat looks very interested in what's going on with the residents of your pond, fish or ducks!


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: paulster78 on November 29, 2010, 08:20:39 pm
Lovely shots John, must be great to have these two returning to your pond-without all their friends of course, be sure and keep us updated on the exploits of Mr and Mrs Duck.  :)


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: JohnC on November 29, 2010, 10:21:54 pm
Glad you liked them  :)  I'm a softie at heart. I shouldn't do it but I put a small pile of bird seed out for them. Sometimes when I go out with seed they start quacking lol. 'Oh look, he's bringing us some seed - good-oh" The cat doesn't bother them,they're too big, I think they'd sort him out if he ran at them.


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: markt on November 30, 2010, 08:42:04 pm
Nice pond, nice ducks, nice pickies!!!  8)


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: JohnMurphy on December 02, 2010, 12:49:37 pm
Lovely shots John.
Funny to see ducks in your backgarden, its not usually where you'd expect them.
Looks like Mr. Cat has taken a fancy to Mr. & Mrs. Duck  ;D


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: Anton on December 02, 2010, 02:25:55 pm
Love the images John, I bet you have enjoyed watching the ducks sliding on the ice good entertainment for the cat also.

Thanks


Title: Re: Frozen Pond
Post by: JohnC on December 02, 2010, 05:47:38 pm
I think the cat's a bit bewildered,Anton  ;D There's barely any open water left now and after the ducks have eaten some seed they waddle across the pond to the only two unfrozen areas under the cascades and take a drink to wash down the seed-they always do this - eat seed and every now and then drink water so I'm learning about their behaviour too .