It was dry but damn cold this morning. I had to return to the van for more layers and a woolly hat. Just my luck to not appraise myself of the temperature on a Bertha day. Walking twice as far as I needed to will teach me to be more careful in future.
There were quite a few Greylag Geese about but non stopped. They just flew on by way up in the sky. I am not the worlds best birder and never will be but I could with a little more effort be the worlds worst. An RAF Hercules flew over and I missed it completely…..Only I could fail with something that size passing two hundred feet overhead.
Tomorrow, I’m taking the A66 eastwards over the Pennines to Darlington. I’m looking forward to a day of big steam pumping engines on Saturday. I’ll have to watch the falling down water consumption on Friday night in The Station. I’ve got the strobes sorted so I’ll have to be really shaky and off form for flash not to produce crystal sharp images.
This campsite used to be home to a swan, a domestic goose crossed with something and a greylag. They were frightening the campers. They worked the site as a team. They have gone. I suspect some rotten sod has shot them. The staff here deny all knowledge of them. They were fun birds but used to trap timid campers in their vans. I used to love sitting on the step and being allowed to stroke them in exchange for food. You only had to push them out of the way to a cacophony of hissing to get on ones way, they weren’t nasty, they didn’t peck hard. I notice the site is busier this year. That’s sad.
Lovely shot of the Mallard Adrian. She looks like she's been stood up though.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately you're probably right about the demise of the swan and geese. There are some nasty people about; none more so than those that masquerade as politicians.
Keith, she did look a little lonely.
DeleteI'm pretty sure that they have been shot. Bastards if they have. I'll write to the CCC.
How rare seeing a female mallard not being pestered by over excited males, poor old girl.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame about the geese and swan, what are people camping in the great outdoors expecting! It would be a greater shame if the owners got rid of them because people were scared:o(
Forget the fish for the gulls round my way people feed them bread, it really gets them flying and chasing each other around, cheaper then fish too.
Douglas, she will only have to wait the winter out.
DeleteThe three tame birds were superb entertainment. Some timid souls are frightened of friendly creatures.
The Mallard looks quite pleased with herself that's she's found somewhere nice and quiet to have a paddle.
ReplyDeleteI guess the Swan and the Geese had to go because the customers are more important and needed to be protected, poor souls!
And you didn't save any of yesterdays Crab and Mackerel for those poor Gulls...shame on you!!...[;o)
Trevor, at least I found a bird that posed.
DeleteI'll find out what happened to them, they were part of the site....about the best part.
I'm just greedy.
Dress warm friend who is doing cold.
ReplyDeleteGood photos. I like the third the you caught flying.
A hug.
Laura, it was a shock after such a warm summer. I will have to use the big lens more often.
Deleteheerlijk zulke ontmoetingen.
ReplyDeleteZe zijn goed.
DeleteGood luck on the journey. Darlington's fairly safe. Just don't stray east.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I may have to stay in Stockton....I'll take a big stick.
DeleteIt is really sad about the fowl at the campsite. Animals are like children. They are trouble and they are worth it. I'm sorry some people do not understand that.
ReplyDeleteIt is good seeing the pictures. All the birds are beautiful.
David, it is very sad. I have enjoyed hours of their company.
DeleteBrilliant photo of a Mallard Duck Adrian.
ReplyDeleteBob, she was a good bird.
DeleteI will be looking forward to tomorrow's post! There is some debate about feeding wild life. They can get to be a nuisance. I once had about 20 pine siskins land on my cap and hands as I filled the feeder. They frightened me and I flinched and the magic moment was over.
ReplyDeleteRed, it may not get posted till Monday. I'll see what I can do to speed things up.
DeleteI think that feeding them is fine. The children learn so much from being close to big birds and they are generally gentle with children.
I'm happy you enjoyed them. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAll this gadding about you do Adrian - I am starting to think you have gipsy blood in your veins. Why not get a big gold earring and a bandana and maybe help out on the waltzers next time you see a temporary fairground? Failing that - perhaps a basket filled with handmade clothes pegs?
ReplyDeleteYP, be careful what you think. I'll be round with my Lucky Heather.
DeleteDarlington! When I consider all the places you could be heading for...
ReplyDeleteP.S. I need some clothes pegs, please.
I keep ending up in Darlington. I'm here for the steam weekend at Tees Cottage.
Delete