The sea started to freeze today

[hammered]

I went down to a local park that has a couple of lakes and some great looking birds, but when I got there both lakes were frozen and the swans, ducks and other water fowl were all on the islands looking a bit miserable. So I joined a few other photographers and birders and we cleared some ice off both lakes for the birds to have a drink and feed for a while. I decided after this to go down to Shoeburyness East Beach and when I got there I couldn't believe my eyes, the sea was starting to freeze. Unfortunately I'd left my gloves in the car and after about an hour my hands hurt too much to take any more photographs, but I did get to see the Snow Bunting, a rare visitor for these parts.


The scene that greeted me


A couple of Dunlins


The next 4 pics are of the Snow Buntings, this and the next shot are of them playing on the sea ice.








hammered

[naturegirl]

Beautiful buntings! While you are having incredible cold, we are having unusual warmth. has to do with the polar cap wind currents I heard....I hope it eases soon!!!

[snakeyes]

Great pictures last year at this time the temps were below 0, today it got up to 60 again. Thanks for sharing

[River Rat]

Did you take them something to eat? Love the pics!

[crazyjarhead]

Looks like parts of Europe is having a terrible winter For us, winter is staying north .............for now

[Mrs Bloom]

Beautiful pics--thanks for posting!

[ronwoodcraft]

Nice Pictures! I recently went to a marsh near where I live and found the same sort of scenario. It was frozen and barron, with very few birds to be found. In the spring it's one of the best birding places anywhere.

[fossis]

Nice shots, good job on clearing the ice, we need to help the creatures when we can.

Fossis...........

[spartacus53]

Great shots as always. I especially like the last on with the bird attempting to commit suicide

Well, that's the way I see it

[RGINN]

When sea starts to freeze, I would imagine that's gotta be COLD! We're havin what I would call a mild winter. Not a lot of snow, 30's in the day, and the coldest was around 20 below a few nights. Lots of fluctuation. One night I go to work and it's minus 10, the next night 20 above. I think we're gonna get nailed in the next 3 months though.