birds – Page 3 – Jessica's lens

Chit chat

Image August 17, 2016August 17, 2016JessicaLeave a comment

Common starlings, Sturnus vulgaris.

Barn swallows playing in the field

August 11, 2016JessicaLeave a comment

Barn swallow

Barn swallow tail

Barn Swallows, Hirundo Rustica. They moved so fast, they were hard to get. I will try to get closer next time. Now I know where to find them.

Closer to the Common Starling

August 5, 2016JessicaLeave a comment

Common Starling

Young Common Starlings

Flight

Great crested grebe in the moats

August 1, 2016JessicaLeave a comment

The great crested grebe was easier to get today. Although the bird spent most of the time under water, it was closer than usual when it surfaced.

Swans and cygnets

July 29, 2016JessicaLeave a comment

Got an itch

Finding grub

Swan and cygnets

Five out of eight cygnets

Foot

Young

Now I know what baby swans are called. I had to check. Cygnets. The word is diminutive of Old French ‘cigne’ which means ‘swan’. It comes from Latin ‘cycnus’ and from Greek ‘kyknos’. Who knew that looking at birds could end up in an etymology lesson? And furthermore, how could anyone call a cygnet an ugly duckling? They’re are the cutest, softest looking things I have ever seen.