It is also very wet, misty and generally horrible. I was dreading the return of south westerly winds. They are here so I'll just have to make the best of them.
Ravenglass……………………Hardly the stuff picture postcards are made of. After this stunning view, taken in one of todays brighter moments we moved on up the estuary. Lots of Oyster Catchers around as usual. A Redshank hiding amongst the pebbles. I was going to post it but on consideration I would have had to crayon a circle around it. That doesn’t look too professional. The National Geographic doesn’t have red scribble on it’s pictures.
Here are two of them dancing on their lunch………….The estuary is about thirty percent mussel covered so they are in no danger of starvation…………….More a miracle they can fly.
I hope this is a female Widgeon……………No doubt wiser minds than mine will educate me if she isn’t.
This is I think a different duck altogether…………….I’m guessing a female Pintail. That would be nice.
After an hour and a half wading through muck and mussel shells this was the sum total of todays endeavours. So it was back to the van for a well earned coffee.
I filled the feeder again and whilst drinking my twelveses……..it was a bit late for elevenses look what flew in.
Not the great Tit, there are dozens of them but I was glad to see the Nuthatch….It’s the one on the left…….we orthodontists know such things.
The Pheasant was as glad as I to see the Nuthatch. He can’t get at the feeder but with a Nuthatch about he doesn’t need to, they fire seed in all directions.
That’s all for today. The forecast is for more of the same but we’ll see.
I am so envious of that Nuthatch! I wish they'd come visit me.
ReplyDeleteFirst one looks like a Widgeon to me, Adrian; second one looks similar, but I'll reserve judgement on that one.
Rain here today, and fog forecast all week.
A change from snow.
Keith, lady ducks are the very devil unless one is really close.......these were both well over a hundred yards away in near darkness. So are cropped images. The reason I have doubts about the second is it's extensive white chest Not many wildfowl about but the wildfowlers were around shooting so that explains that.........wish they could get some mud up both barrels and not notice.
ReplyDeleteI seem to be lucky with Nuthatches this year. They are generally aggressive towards other birds but this one isn't.
I much prefer the ice and snow.
Thanks for your dedication - muck and mussels are beyond the pale. Your pheasant is a real beauty. There are a few around here but they are wild and wary. Guess they are never sure whether it is shooting season or not. Wouldn't mind borrowing some of your mud and sticking it up a few barrels myself.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Ravenglass, Adrian. I think it looks rather nice.... peaceful and quiet. I wonder if the cold is keeping people indoors or if it's always like that.
ReplyDeleteYou know Adrian, I always thought your photo' looked familiar.... I wonder if you've ever peered into my mouth at any time?! :O)
Love the Nuthatch which reminds me I have not seen one for ages. Pheasant...well they are indeed patient. I think some goodies await you in the sea of muck.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the birds, I love the feeder one and the composition of the pheasant. Thanks for educating me into the other reasons why people go to Ravenglass. ( By the way, my friend cancelled the hillwalking trip to the southern Lakes at the eleventh hour yesterday.)
ReplyDeletePauline, the pheasants here are bred to be shot but generally they are tame. After a couple of days you can usually hand feed them.
ReplyDeleteLesley, It is a grand place in winter. I am not really a Orthodontist that was a spelling mistake I'm really Horologist so watch your mouth!
Trevor we will see, the shooting parties didn't help......certainly don't help the birds. It's a good area for a wander.
Jay, the railway is fine but the estuary and the castle are fine without L'al Ratty.
I know the embaressment of having to add red circles. Sometimes though there just is no other option. Try spotting the Bittern without the red circle, go on give it a try!.
ReplyDeleteGreat to get a shot of the Nuthatch. Never seen one of those.
ReplyDeleteMark, sorry for the delay in replying, I've got a bit anyhow. At least your circles are circles I just grab the pencil tool and draw a ring round. You are obviously a professional. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I hadn't till February then they seem to be everywhere. There have to be conifers about though.....Hark at me! What do I know about birds!