Frost on Mosses

 These Mosses growing on top of the wooden railings at Ferrymoor were covered  in Frost on my visit yesterday. Moss also known as Lichens is a hybrid colony of Algae. They tend to grow in many different shapes and forms. In many environmental conditions they can grow on almost any surface. They seem to grow in this particular part of the reserve. May be it is because it is close to the water.

Goldfinch

 This brightly coloured bird was sitting in a Hazel Tree on a recent visit to Ferrymoor. Its red face and yellow wing patch make it stand out among the other finches. The sound is like a twittering and when they are in groups you cannot mistake them even if they are out of sight. They can often be seen at bird tables and their favourite food is teasel.

Bracken in Winter

 Bracken also known as wild ferns. Some of this still about at Ferrymoor. Looking at it close up the patten is quite spectacular. I do love to get out with the macro lens on my camera. It is amazing what life looks like closeup. Not only plants and flowers, but insects also seen by the naked eye look so very different when magnified.

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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