Isn’t it a marvel to watch birds on the wing and note their contrasts in aerodynamic shape? There are those with powerful wing flaps to slender wing form aerialists, and then there are the dumpy waterbirds more adapted to diving than highflying?
Puffin
Snipe
Seabird
The salute
Cormorant lift off
The squadron
Sacred Ibis
Sacred Ibis
Avocets
Nature on the Edge 
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you.
Wonderful pictures Liz!!!
Beautiful capture! đŸ™‚
Thanks Sylvia đŸ™‚
The photo of the puffin is so funny! He looks like he’s about to do a “cannonball” into the water. The sacred ibis pictures are stunning. Their beaks are fascinating. Some seem to be upturned at the end while others curve downwards.
Isn’t the puffin a delight! Clutsy manoeuvres airside, but designed more for swimming. Good spot MM, the ibis have the downturned beaks and use them like picks.. while the avocets have the upturned pincer-like bills for skimming the sand underwater – both built for purpose đŸ™‚
Gorgeous!
Thanks!
Like all, so beautiful.
Buit the squadron is perfect. So peaceful!
Thanks! Yes, those ibis are a sight in mid-air đŸ™‚
Liz, avocets and the squadron, how I wish I’d taken those fabulous shots!
You’ll have to watch out for the avocets… they will come back your way, but the ibis, well Gilly, you’ll have to come and visit to capture them!!
Yes the Exe estuary is well known for its avocets and they are the symbol of the RSPB!
Beautiful, beautiful! That ibis is something out of the world of elegance!
Yes such elegance, especially with their plumage…. and there i discovered looking at the photos that their wing tips have a tinge of peacock green.
Splendid photos! And such a patient photographer —
Thanks T2T! Patience… i’m getting there. Tend to scare most of my subjects away!!
Wow – beautiful. I like the first one, interesting way of flying!
“Clutsy” was the word that came to mind when i watched this little puffin coming into land…. I guess they are designed for catching fish and underwater ‘flying’. đŸ™‚
Oh, my, these are stunning shots. So sharp, and so graceful.
Thanks Jude.
A puffin!!!!!! I dream of photographing one in the wild someday.
Simply marvelous!
Absolutely gorgeous, once again, Liz. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I think the least one moves me the most. Together they are nothing but true naturals beauties. Wishing you a wonderful, cozy weekend, Dina & co
Ooh these are beautiful, beautiful pictures of those gorgeous creatures.
Wonderful photos and great observation!
Thanks! Nice to see you back in the ‘ether’.
I found this post looking for “seagulls”, as they are one of my favourite birds. Then saw the sacred ibis, and think wow, what a beautiful bird! I always think that if I could choose to be an animal, it would be some kind of seabird, as they get the chance to both fly and swim. They get the best of two worlds!
Thanks for the super comments…. lovely existential thoughts. Another blogging friend recently described a pelican as being a ‘magnificent flying machine’. Love that too.