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Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis)

North Norfolk is blessed with regular visits from Snow Buntings and these were part of a flock of around 35 individuals which would fly off in unison when disturbed, normally by a Little Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull or human walker. When they did so, they would form a loosely knit ball and would circle overhead until assessing that the coast (literally) was clear. In summer in the Arctic, the birds have white heads and underparts; here, in autumn/winter plumage they have a much more sandy hue. According to the RSPB, they are a scarce breeding species in the UK, placing them on the Amber list.


Canon 1Ds MkII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens, 1/500th sec, f/6.3, 400mm at ISO 400. Distance to subject: c 7m

Canon 1Ds MkII, Canon 100-400mm IS USM lens, 1/1,000th sec, f/9, 400mm at ISO 640. Distance to subject: c 7m


5 comments:

  1. Lovely birds Tim. Very difficult to photo birds on the floor and make them look good, not a bad effort here though :-) ( not that I could have done better!!!)

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  2. Lovely images Tim, you are so lucky, I have never seen the Snow Bunting.

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  3. Nice images Tim. Always great to see Snow Buntings.

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  4. I've never seen one of those, aren't they cute?

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