Rookery Revisited

As it was such a pleasant afternoon I decided that our afternoon walk should again take us close to the rookery. This time I took the Canon 50D with me hoping to take some closer shots. When we arrived the nesting area appeared deserted. Sugar, though I, wrong time of day. Then one bird flew up out of its nest, then another and another until a dozen or so were in the sky. The nests are so large and high up that the nesting birds could not be seen from the ground. They all flew across the field on the far side of the trees but slowly they returned one by one.



They were obviously agitated by our presence cawing and flying in and out of the trees. I had been standing up but decided to sit down to present a smaller profile. While I sat and watched Bobby sprawled out enjoying the sunshine. The Rooks gradually approached their nest, not directly and never on our side of the trees which made taking clear photos impossible.



Often they would get as close as a branch near their nests but sat watching us before taking off again.



The nests are the most ungainly and uncomfortable looking constructions. Much deeper than they appear from a distance. No wonder the birds cannot be seen when incubating, which I think many of these are.



Very slowly some of the braver birds returned to their nests and I decided we had disturbed them for long enough and continued on our walk.



Maybe I will try again in a few weeks time when they may be feeding their youngsters. By then the trees will probably be in full leaf and viewing near impossible.