Blue tit on Feeder

 This Blue Tit was enjoying a feast from the suet block on the feeder. This area at Ferrymoor is a haven for many of the small birds. Although a few of the waders get here to see what is available and pick up from the floor what others have dropped. Since the feeding station was erected it has attracted many birds of all kinds including also a few mammals.

Black Headed Gulls

 These Black Headed Gulls were standing on the ice at Ferrymoor. This picture was taken a few days ago. All of the birds are  in their winter plumage. There is always quite a lot of these birds about most times of the year. Although a sea bird they can be found inland almost places where there is a stretch of water for them to land.

Hawthorn Berries

Just a few of these left hanging on the trees at Ferrymoor. I spotted this one with a droplet of water from an overnight frost that had started to thaw. These berries are an asset to many birds in the winter months including Redwings, Blackbirds and starlings. The flowers of this tree always appear after the Blackthorn that in turn produces Sloe Fruits.

 

Robin on Bird Feeder

This little Robin was enjoying what food was left on the feeder at Ferrymoor. Like all of these birds he was very chirpy and hung around for quite some time. All different kinds of birds seem to make a regular visit including the odd Mallard Duck. Since the feeder was installed it has been kept filled with seed by many volunteers. Made of steel a it had to be vandals have left it alone thank goodness.

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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.