This was the perfect time to visit the beach - cooler weather, great for walking, not forgetting to take the camera.
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The morning was very still, the water very flat and I was visiting one of my favourite spots for getting shots of sea birds feeding, especially in the early morning.
Carrying only the required gear - camera, 400 lens and 1.4 extension I was expecting to record some nice images.
I had only just started walking when I spotted my first subject - diving close in on the breakwater was a Pied Cormorant.
I kept following him along the breakwater. It kept diving but was catching nothing so far. But past experience has told me that eventually they get their breakfast.
After about ten minutes up it came with a nice fish.
I took a number of images, but the last one was the best. It had just tossed the fish and the image shows it prior to swallowing it.
Moving on it was Pied Cormorants that were everywhere, and I took a number of images. Eventually I came on a pair having a territorial dispute which I recorded.
My next find was a Darter - a fantastic bird. The only shot I managed was the bird lifting off.
I had now spent four hours photographing sea birds, and I have to say, with pleasing results, so I called it a day.
Pied Cormorants are mainly seen along our coast but may be found inland in lakes or swamp areas.
The male Pied Cormorant advertises for a mate by calling from a nesting site. When he and his site have been chosen by a female he gathers sticks and other plant material which the female then uses to build the nest.
Darters are magnificent birds of our coast and are often seen in our lakes and inland swamps. They are strong swimmers and are often seen swimming with just the long neck above water.
Sometimes they swim completely submerged. They hunt by stalking their prey, waiting till the prey comes close and with their head held back in an S shape, spear the fish. They are often seen drying their wings after feeding, as this one was before taking off as I approached.
This certainly was an interesting day.