It started out very cool but sunny this morning. It’s just started snowing again and two miles up the hill they have had to close the road as it’s blowing a blizzard.
I wasn’t too happy with yesterdays shots. Todays are better if not perfect.
On our first walk at dawn the dogs chased a Red Squirrel up a tree. So I hid some peanuts on a branch and we went back an hour later after breakfast. I threatened the dogs with disconnobulation without anaesthetic should I hear so much as a squeak out of them.
It looks as if we could be in for thirty six hours of snow. I’ll try for some pictures tomorrow but it looks as if it could well be Friday before I get out very far from the van.
This is for you Carol. It’s a weather station. You can get a similar one that talks to the computer but they are twice as much money.
Great, you caught the Crested Tit, thank you Adrian. Who makes the weather station?
ReplyDeleteBob, yes I tempted one close enough and after three visits it sat on the twig and not on the feeder.
DeleteI got it from Maplin. I think it was on offer for £39.95p about a year ago. They do one that talks wirelessly to the computer for under a hundred pounds. They also sell excellent cheap A3 batteries which last far longer than Duracell.
PS. Bob if you want one for home they did do one with a vane for wind direction. They are a devil to set up so I didn't bother.
DeleteWell done Adrian, you got the Crested Tit and a Red Squirrel, there'll be no stopping you now!
ReplyDeleteGo careful in that snow...we're being battered by strong gusting winds and heavy sleet/rain at the moment...I'd rather have the snow!...[;o)
Trevor, Yes I will have to learn to be more patient. There are lots of squirrels here but they disappear into the tops of trees and amongst twigs and branches. The dogs don't help. They spend half their walks gazing into the canopy.
ReplyDeleteThe snow is here as well and is turning to sleet at the moment.
I'm glad that the Crested Tit posed. The Chaffinch are quite aggressive and drive them off the feeders.
Yesterday the skiing was just perfect powder. I wish I could be fit enough to enjoy it. I feel sorry for the mountain ski companies. They have far too much snow for the ploughs, dozers, blowers and groomers that they own. They should double shift them as they do in Tignes. It is the wind that is the real problem. For them and for me. It would blow the feeder away if I hadn't welded up a big iron spike to lash it to.
I love the bird pics.. they've all landed on the exact same branch.. that's a busy landing strip. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a red squirrel who come around here most days. He's a busy little thing. They have so much personality.
Hilary I cheat and tied a twig to the bird feeder. If the wind would die down I'd pop a small tree alongside it for variety.
DeleteThat cute little squirrel with his fluffy tail is almost as beautiful as that mini weather station. Now I know what will keep you occupied for 36 hours of snow :) that and knitting beanies for the wildlife.
ReplyDeleteCarol, what did you expect. The Met Office. I haven't got time to knit the truck needs a clean. A mans work is never done.
DeleteBrilliant bird pics and a lovely 'reddish' squirrel too I haven't seen crested tits here but I've been told they are about.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I must have seen dozens but thought most were just Coal Tits looking a bit scruffy. I think they only pop by for the winter so get your skates on if you want a snap of one this year.
DeleteGreat pictures Adrian, gorgeous little birds. Try to stay warm.
ReplyDeleteGillian, I've just turned the heating down. My weather station said it was 18 degrees inside and minus two out. No worries here.
DeleteWell done with the Crested Tit and the reddish squirrel. Your bit of added twig is serving you well.
ReplyDeleteDaft thing is John the birds don't like it. They are used to normal feeders. They should be grateful and pose. Just my luck to get half a shot of a Red Squirrel and it turns out to be not red,
DeletePS. Life could be worse. Apparently they lose their tufty ears in summer. I was also told that very few are red. This one has been hibernating. It is covered in bits of it's nest or drey. That's why it looks a bit green and grey. I know they don't hibernate but like many northern mammals they drop their heart rate in winter. I'd hate to try and snap the little beauties in summer.
Deletelove this series, especially of the squirrel who has a surprised look brought on by his fur standing up! at first glance the coal tit, I thought I was viewing a chickadee.
ReplyDeleteNorma, I suspect he is keeping his nuts warm. It's freezing here. I suspect the Chikadee and Coal Tit are the same bird.
DeletePretty amazing that Adrian crested tit and squirrel are my favorites.
ReplyDeletethank you Bas. It was a successful morning.
DeleteAll the pictures are great but the squirrel is so cute. It is really a terrific shot. I've never seen one as good.
ReplyDeleteDavid there is a bit of tree in the way but it is three times better than my usual effort.
DeleteWell done on the Crestie a cracking little bird. The red squirrel looks like it's shivering in the image, just the dipper to go :O). I did think of a photo image idea whilst looking at your images from both yesterdays post and today's,how about some macro of the gorgeous lichen on the branch.
ReplyDeleteDouglas, there is still the Dipper, Ptarmigan and Black Grouse. Plenty to miss.
DeleteI may have a go at Lichen today.
:-) nice pets
ReplyDeleteThey are very wary Laura.
DeleteI think they turned out great, but I also liked the ones from yesterday.
ReplyDeleteMersad, the fun in photography is that there is always room for improvement. These are better.
DeleteLove your tit pictures sir. You have a special talent for taking pictures of tits. From my own experience I know that tits can be very elusive. They are always bobbing about. I hear that when it comes to tits, Michaela Strachan's pictures are the best.
ReplyDeleteYP, I really wouldn't know and suspect I have little chance of remedying the situation.
DeleteAll of the bird shots came out gorgeous, particularly the first one (the Coal Tit is big headed and so cute). I'm glad you posted the weather station, because I never had the chance to see an actual one installed.
ReplyDeleteMaria, the light was just about perfect for these.
DeleteI like having the weather station. I'm surprised I haven't driven off with it stuck up on the back of the van.
Glad you enjoyed the day and obviously the dogs avoided disconnbobulation. That really does sound awful. And even that lovely squirrel wouldn't be worth any harm to your dogs.
ReplyDeletePauline, I have no idea what it means but the dogs think it sounds drastic and that's all that matters.
DeleteThe photos are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI've never seen a crested tit so that has quite a high envy factor from this quarter.
ReplyDeleteGraham, there are several here. According to the RSPB they only live in an area from the Black Isle south to Cairngorm.
DeletePreciosas ADRIAN... Ves como sí te salen bien;-)
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Laura, que son hermosos y preciosos.
DeleteAbsolutely amazing pictures! It was difficult enough for my mother and I to capture a few shots of my daughter playing in the snow; I can't imagine the effort required for you to produce these images.
ReplyDeleteI also can't help but be amazed at how similar life can be, even when it feels so disparate. At the same time that you were crunching snow underfoot across an ocean, looking for signs of life, my mother was peering out her window for the appearance of the red birds that she claims always show themselves just before the clouds give way. Of course, I'm too dreamy for my own good sometimes; she saw those birds not for their beauty, but as harbingers of doom. Not to worry, though; doom never came, just a few inches of snow and a little ice. Just enough to keep us off the roads for a few days, and in her loving care. Once a mother, always a mother, I suppose.
All apologies for the rambling; my cabin fever is only now beginning to subside.
Nathaniel, very little effort just patience and chilly fingers. The birds were all taken from inside the van with the window open. The squirrel took a bit more effort. I've been leaving peanuts on a broken branch for a few days. They soon get used to calling round to check for them.
DeleteNice work and catching a red as well. Never had the privilege of capturing one of those before.
ReplyDeleteJay, they are fast little things.
Delete