Frozen Stream

 The stream that runs alongside Ferrymoor and is the other side of the railings was frozen on my visit early yesterday morning. The reeds that have now died off were covered in frost. Although it did not seem very cold there must have been, a heavy frost overnight. Just looking across I thought it gave a very cool moody effect. I love to visit in all kinds of weather you never know what you might see.

Song Thrush

 I spotted this bird singing high up in a tree at Ferrymoor. They appear to be slightly larger in size than a Blackbird. Their speckled front stands out when with other birds. You cannot miss hearing the beautiful sounds they make though. This bird was near to the entrance so it was something special to greet visitors.

The Old Viewing Platform

 There used to be a viewing platform at Ferrymoor, that is before vandals decided to set fire to it. This picture was taken back in 2017 before it was destroyed. I really liked standing on there, as much of the wildlife came very close and even swam underneath the structure. Obviously cost has prevented it from being replaced and the fact this may happen again in this unruly society that we live in today.

Black Headed Gulls

On my last visit to Ferrymoor there were loads of Black Headed Gulls in winter plumage perched on a tree at the edge of the island. They are easy to identify as they do not have a black head but a black spot on the side of their face. The heads of them are not normally black as the name suggests but more of a chocolate brown. I counted 28 of these birds in this location.

 

Sunlight on Winter Foliage

 The winter light always looks very dramatic on dead foliage especially when walking round Ferrymoor. Yesterday I took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. The results of birds coming in to my garden were 2 Blackbirds one male and one female, 2 Bluetits and a single Wren. Looking beyond the garden in to the field behind there were 16 Magpies, 1 Crow, 1Kestrel, 2 Black Headed Gulls and a single Feral Pigeon. Although these could not be recorded on the RSPB BGB results

Gadwall

 There is quite often at least one of these birds to be found at Ferrymoor. This grey coloured dabbling duck is slightly smaller than the Mallard Duck. Nesting is very low in the UK. If you see one they can be mistaken for the female Mallard. I love the patterns and shapes in the plumage. The black rear is also a good give away to this bird.

Moody Landscape

 Sometimes the sky and lighting help in getting a good picture. This time was that one time. Shooting in to the sunlight managed to produce a silhouette effect and magnificent reflections in the water at Ferrymoor. I did not go  to the Flash yesterday as Storm Eowyn decided to give us a visit. The strong gale force winds were a good enough reason to stay indoors it seemed a good idea in keeping safe.

Long Tailed Tit

 These birds are really cute. There seems to be quite a few around at Ferrymoor, Not quite as colourful as most of the Tit families but distinctive by the very long tail. They seem to bounce about in flight and can be very noisy at times. I have spotted them in the willow trees beside the lake and now they seem to be about on the feeder. There is obviously some type of seed that attract them.

A little bit of History

We moved up to Yorkshire in 2004 to get away from the rat race "Essex that is ". All the way along Park Springs were lot of pallets loaded with young saplings and other kinds of vegetation  waiting to be planted on either side of the road. On the right was a mountain "A Coal Slag in fact" which has now been leveled off and turned in to a Nature Reserve. We did not discover Ferrymoor Flash until a couple of years later. This is actually part of the now gone Grimethorpe Colliery. Considering this all started as a great big hole in the ground it has become an excellent place to see wildlife.

 

Moorhen

 Basking in the winter sun. A Moorhen enjoying life at Ferrymoor. Rather Blackish wings in colour with a Red and Yellow Beak. Not forgetting those bright green legs. There are normally a few about but many more of its cousin the Coot. I spotted this one on what is known locally as the beach area. 

Garden Bird Watch

This weekend 25-26th January is the RSPB Big Garden Watch. Will you be taking part? I will, all you have to do is register at Big Garden Birdwatch you do not even have to be a member of the RSPB. It just means listing for one hour on either day what birds visit your garden. You do not even have to sit outside in the cold. Do  what I will be doing grab a nice cuppa and a choccy biscuit and sit indoors near the window. I captured this picture of a Coal Tit on our Garden feeder last year.

Greylag Goose

 There are many of these birds around Ferrymoor. It is actually an ancestor of the domestic goose and is the largest and bulkiest of the wild geese. They tend to be semi-tame which can sometimes be an advantage or disadvantage to them. Their markings on the feathers and bright orange legs and beaks really stand out when they are with other birds.

The Lake is thawing

 

A visit to Ferrymoor yesterday and the lake is finally starting to thaw out.  The birds are now starting to get to the water through the ice.  There were many birds about especially near the feeder including Blackbird Male, Great Tit, Robin and Dunnock. A Grey Heron was perched in a tree opposite the beach. "Beach" it is really an area beside the lake that becomes very dusty when dry but now it is more like a mud bath. There are a few Muscovy Ducks about one actually came right up to me and brushed against my trouser leg. 

Mute Swan and Cygnet

 This female and Cygnet were in the water at the edge of the frozen lake. They were at Ferrymoor most of last year. The Mute Swan is a very large waterbird with an S shaped neck and an orange beak. Their population has increased lately probably due to them being a protected species. In cold weather some birds arrive from other parts of Europe.

Misty Morning

 A misty morning at Ferrymoor. It could not have been a more perfect time to visit. The winter sun, a frozen lake and low lying mist. These all helped me get this atmospheric picture. The sun was even reflecting on the ice. You may have noticed I have started adding pictures in a different format. The 16.9 is the same as TV's and Computer screens these days so when you click on the image it will completely fill the screen.

Robin in a Tree

 This Robin was singing away in a tree yesterday at Ferrymoor. There seems to be quite a few of them around at the moment. Voted the UK's favourite bird with its bright orange breast they are quite familiar around Christmas time. They sing all the year round but are known to be quite territorial. They are also a common garden bird and can often be found on feeders.

Winter Light

 The winter light can produce some excellent effects in all photos. I have often found this on my visits to Ferrymoor. Here the water has become a slightly mauve colour. This image is as was taken directly from the camera. No filters were used. I was shooting directly in to the light breaking all the rules where you should have the sun behind you. I love to experiment in my photography and this is one of the best places to practice.

Canada Goose

 Many of these birds an be found at Ferrymoor. During migration even hundreds of them flying in every day. They are a large goose with a black head and a distinctive white throat patch. This species originally from North America has spread to cover most of the United Kingdom. Large flocks of them can be very noisy. In the spring when the really cute chicks hatch they are a sight not to be missed.

Remains of Snow

 Still a small amount of snow left hanging about. The temperatures are starting to increase and the forecasters have suggested it may go up to 7 degrees today. Even in January as it is now there are still a few signs of Autumn still about. This is the path to the left of the entrance. I often wonder does it really need to be this wide. Even at half this size there would still be plenty of access for wheelchairs etc.

Birds on the Ice

 Many of the birds were skating on the ice of the frozen lake at Ferrymoor. Including Mute Swan and Cygnet, Canada Geese and Mallard Duck. The ice has also provided a reflection. Although the lake is virtually frozen right over the birds have not gone hungry. A regular volunteer has been down to offer them seed, bread and vegetables  given by kind people as always. A thaw has been forecast in the next few days so hopefully the weather will improve.

Frozen Lake

 Managed to get down to Ferrymoor and the lake is well and truly frozen over. Most of the birds were skating about looking for food. The paths were frozen hard but not too difficult to walk on. The area known locally as the beach was a sheet of ice and not advisable to attempt accessing. A bunch of Black Headed Gulls were gathered on the other side these can be seen in the top left of picture. Answer to yesterday quiz it was an Aylesbury Duck

Who's Feet?

 This bird is a frequent visitor to Ferrymoor. There is normally only one about but occasionally a couple about. It is a chunky bird and  the feathers are all one colour. At one time their plumage was used in a manufacturing process. It is quite a heavy bird , the males can weigh four to five kilos. The feet are a dead give away to what type of bird this is. A name given by locals is quite popular with the recent weather.

Spoonbills

 This picture of these beautiful birds was captured in July last year at Ferrymoor. While I am walking round the Flash I often get asked, what camera do I use? As I have not visited for a few days due to the unsociable weather here is the answer. Panasonic G80 plus 25mm F1.7 Lens, 30mm Macro Lens and 100-300mm Telephoto Lens. I do carry an iPhone but have decided this is only suitable for the odd landscape. Not much use for anything else, only if that is all is available.

Snow on Reeds

 This is a picture of snow and frost on some reeds at Ferrymoor. It is not a current picture as visiting the reserve does not seem a very good idea at the moment. There appears to be lots of flood water about so walking around could not only be boggy but also rather dangerous. Hopefully water levels will soon subside allowing visits again very soon. A few people are visiting but only to supply some food to the birds.

Frozen Lake

 The recent few days of snow has now had an effect on the lake and the area around Ferrymoor. Ice on the lake and dampness underfoot along the paths has made walking really treacherous. Probably ideal photography conditions as everything is beginning to sparkle. The wildlife must be struggling to find food. Even though some has been thrown down for them it will never be enough.

Little Egret

 This Little Egret was flying around at Ferrymoor before deciding to land on one of the islands. It is in the same class as Herons, Storks and Ibises. They were at one time is very short supply in the UK but seem to have increased greatly now. One  or two of them can be seen visiting Ferrymoor where they are very welcome. Hopefully we will be sing many more here in 2025

Feeding Station

 The Feeding Station at Ferrymoor is hidden away in a little alcove at the top end of the reserve. The feeder has been made from steel. This is to deter vandals. A small seat has also be place there for visitors to sit and enjoy watching the visiting birds. Also the odd Grey Squirrel that is about. The feeder is filled up with fresh seed most days by a volunteer who is given the seed by local people who pass this on to him.

Blue Tit

This bird was quite close to the feeding station at Ferrymoor. Obviously seeking some food. A bird often found in gardens where they seek out nest boxes put up by the owners. The colourful mix of Blue, White, Yellow and Green make this bird quite attractive. Where this bird was perched the branches appear to have had the bark stripped obviously by visiting Grey Squirrels that have been spotted on the feeder. 
 

Frosty Morning

 A heavy overnight frost made everything sparkle at Ferrymoor. The dead foliage was covered and there were patches of ice in the puddles of water that was laying on the path. The early morning sunlight made everything sparkle. It is nice to get there early before any warmth melts away the best. The heavy rain a few days before that soaked the ground was frozen and hard and crunchy underfoot.

Black Headed Gull

 Many of these birds can be found at Ferrymoor. There is quite a lot of them always flying around. They are probably the first to come after any food that is thrown down. Although they are called Black Headed it is really more of a dark chocolate colour. The juvenile birds do not tend to have a black head it is nearly always white like the rest of its body. There is a small amount of dark feathers in the tail.

In to a New Year

 2025 has now arrived at Ferrymoor. Wind yesterday and Rain overnight. Shooting in to the light with the winter sun low in the sky produced a bit of mood to this picture. Wonder what we will see in January? Will any new or different birds arrive or even visit?  Will the Spring flowers come up and produce some colourful spender of have they been strimmed down never to show again? Will there be lots of new life including chicks and how many will survive? Will the predators leave them alone? Lets hope it is a YES to all those questions.