The Mad Dash

 When there is food to be had by a  passing visitor there is always a mad dash across the lake. This male Mute Swan came out of nowhere and made a quick burst across the water. When I turned round and looked up the path I saw Harold was there providing the birds with lots of goodies. Fortunately a day does not go past without someone visiting Ferrymoor Flash and leaving the birds some food.

Grey Heron

 This bird is on a mission. He has obviously seen a fish that he fancies and is determined to have it for lunch. There are normally a couple of these birds to be found at Ferrymoor Flash. With their long legs, long beak and that magnificent grey and white feathering you cannot mistake them. When they are fishing they normally stand upright with their eyes on the water ready to pounce on a nice tasty fish.

Edge of the Lake

 The edge of the lake at Ferrymoor Flash in Winter. This is the section close to the industry area. It is actually a small island. Many of the birds can be found on here some even tend to nest on here. It has many trees and bushes where they can hide and get away from predators. Some of the vehicles belonging to the industry can be seen in the background.

Willow Buds

 

Just starting to burst out these willow buds look so fluffy. It is that time of the year when many trees and shrubs always surprise us with lots of new and fresh growth. The willow then goes on to produce those   wonderful yellow catkins Known as Pussy Willow. Yesterdays picture was of a Coots Feet closeup. Did you get it right? Many did so well done. I will put another quiz item on later perhaps next month.          

Who's Feet are these?

 These feet are very spectacular, and look at those long claws. Manty of these birds can be found at Ferrymoor Flash. They are very monochromatic to look at. It is not possible to determine the male from the female by just looking at them. Mainly because they both look alike. Their nest always seem to look a very untidy mess. The sound they make is a sharp metallic click. What Bird is this?

Spring is on the Way

 This Horse Chestnut Bud is starting to burst at Ferrymoor Flash. The tree is actually the other side of the railings but starting to protrude on to the reserve. Also known as a Conker Tree this has spiky  golf ball sized fruits which dry out and open up to supply Conkers. I well remember back to schooldays playing conkers. I don't suppose this is allowed today what with health and safety rules.

Mute Swan Male

 This magnificent bird closeup shows the main difference between the male and female of the species. I captured this photo at Ferrymoor a couple of days ago. This very large white waterbird has an S shaped neck with an orange beak, the male has a large bump at the top of the beak where as the female this is not so prominent. As these birds are now a protected species the population in the UK has greatly increased.