July 2015 – goodshipcalliope

Coot Scoop

Unique photos of newly hatched coot chicks at Shiplake Lock A serenely serendipitous situation; we had just tied up at the lay-by for Shiplake lock, and were obviously in for a bit of a wait, so catching sight of yet another pair of coots building a nest just a few yards from the lay-by I pickedContinue reading “Coot Scoop”

There once were some ugly ducklings ….

…. with feathers all stubby and brown But, and sorry to use such a trite word, they are so cute! They are amazingly fluffy with their baby down, not yet able to shed water as they will do from their future feathers. We have been lucky enough to see them at many stages of growth,Continue reading “There once were some ugly ducklings ….”

The Great Coot Exploration

My strategy for enjoying the Thames this summer did not include coots, but I have become ridiculously absorbed and fascinated by these cute feisty birds. It began a few months ago as I noticed them building their nests, working in pairs to make a safe haven for their eggs and their young. CapturingContinue reading “The Great Coot Exploration”