I sat down on a bench for a few minutes and this bird flew in and landed on an old fallen tree. It stayed for a few minutes and then flew off again. I have seen Kingfishers at Ferrymoor Flash before but not really managed to get a photo of them here. After walking up to the next bench it flew across the front of us near to where the two Grebe Juveniles were swimming about.
It looks as though we could be in for a very early autumn this year. Many of the wildflowers are starting to go brown and turn to seed. Also some of the leaves on the trees are starting to turn colour. Lets hope we do not get a long hard winter. These thistles are definitely going over.
There appear to be many Butterflies at the moment on the Blackberry Bushes opposite what is known as the beach. On my past few visits I have seen Red Admiral, Comma. Small Blue and Peacock. The Speckled wood normally prefers the dappled sunlight of woodland areas. It can also be found in hedgerows and even Gardens. Despite declines the range has spread over recent years.
A short walk around the lake cannot be done because the path does not go all the way round. If you needed to do this a small section of the main road has to be tackled. A good start would be from the first steps and then walk anti clockwise around the lake passing three good viewing points. Following on to another view point where a bench is situated for a rest. Then on to the next viewing point where this photo was taken. Next on to an area known by the locals as the Beach. Finally passing a feeding station and then on up a slope to where a picnic area is situated. You could then carry on via the road or return the way you came.
It is quite amazing to see these birds feeding. They tip their bodies so their head is under water and their tail remains above water. This seems to be a regular occurrence on the lake. The quantity of these birds at Ferrymoor Flash seems to be increasing again. On my last visit their were also at least seven Goldfinches beside the path near the third seat.
There are a few of these growing in places around the lake. They can grow very tall with rosettes of large flowers. Once the buds start to form it takes quite some time for the flowers to actually open. This usually happens between mid June and September. I normally like to capture a picture of these just after a fall of rain when the water droplets are clinging to the flowers.
If there is one time of day that I enjoy getting out with the camera it has got to be early morning. The sun is in a position to supply excellent lighting. I stopped at the second seat to view what was about and when I looked up I saw these leaves. I guess lighting has always been something that is my number one when it come to photography.
Perched on some Ragwort Flowers. The yellow flower heads are highly attractive to Bees and other flying insects. There seems to be many more Hoverflies about this year. I have some Fennel in the garden and it is normally covered in these most of the time the sun is out. Insect life has increased this year at Ferrymoor. thanks to the fact strimming has been cut back to a minimum.
On the area known as the beach this and several others of this species were walking gathered here. The Ringed Plover is a small dumpy short legged wading bird. They tend to breed on beaches around he coastal areas. Strange it was on an area we all call The Coast. Apparently they have now started breeding in sand and gravel pits in the UK.
This is actually growing the other side of the railings beside the stream. With its spiny leaves and yellow flowers it stands out among the other Thistles. Believe it or not this can be used in salads and cooked dishes. Not sure that I would want to try it though. Unfortunately where this plant is growing a lot of Himalayan Balsam is starting to return and invade the area.
I spotted this Butterfly perched on some thistles at the side of the steps on the way down to the entrance. These particular species always stand out due to their bright orange colouring. Seems to be an awful lot more insects around at the moment. It can only be a good thing especially for the birds. The fact that strimming has been kept to a very minimum this year also helps a lot.
This is the third Moorhen's nest that has appeared on the lake. they have been very busy this year. I have never seen so many chicks from this species. The first two nests were close to the islands but this one is very close to the waters edge and quite some distance from the other two. The chicks from these birds look so cute, starting out as all black with a red beak and then the juvenile appears is a two tone brown.
Welcome to new visitors to my daily photo Blog. Many more of my photos can be viewed at Flickr
I love playing with light. Many times it does not work for me. But many more times it does. This photo was taken early morning before there were any people about. The lake was very still with little in the way of bird life. The sun was coming up behind the trees on one of the islands. This supplied some excellent reflections and created a green cast in the water. Abstract images have not really been my thing up to now but I guess it is starting to grow on me.
Welcome back I am pleased to say my Blog is now online again after a months absence which was out of my control.
Also known as the May tree the month in which the flowers appear. The pale green leaves appear first before the explosion of pale pink flow...
