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.