Tymon Rat

 

I spotted this guy on an evening stroll in Tymon Park.  Nervous of people, he would dart away, so I sat on the ground watching him.  I managed to get a sequence of shots when he settled down.  The damage on the ear will make him recognisable on a return visit.  I know rats are not the normal subject for photo postings, but I decided to look for the less common subject for a change from ducks and other birds. 

Staying low made a difference to the shot with the foot more in sight in the photo and a better angle on his head.  Lying on the ground may have been better, but I didn't think that was wise in a public park!!!  The settings were 1/1600 sec. shutter speed with aperture set at f5.6 and auto ISO resulted in 3200 but Topaz DeNoise dealt well with the noise.

Tymon Park covers over 300 acres of land in Dublin providing a relaxing area for those living in Templeogue, Tallaght and Greenhills.  It is divided in two sections due to the construction of the M50 so really feels like two separate parks.  Two lakes and a number of smaller ponds along with the River Poddle encourage waterfowl and the shrubs and trees attract a range of birds.  The video link below will give you an insight into what nature has provided in Tymon Park.