Hawthorn Blossom

 These flowers are only about one centimetre in size but look an awful lot larger here as this picture was taken with a Macro Lens. When the flowers dye off a fruit is produced that ripens later in the year, it is known as a Sloe. some people collect these and and make Sloe Gin. Not very tasty as far I know. Many of these bushes are growing at Ferrymoor Flash.

Gadwall

 This bird seems be enjoying life at Ferrymoor Flash. Swimming around to his hearts content.  It is a dabbling duck that is on the UK Amber list of protected birds. I am very pleased that this picture has captured a striking reflection in the water. Hopefully breeding season should be underway at Ferrymoor although there seems to be vey little sign of this so far.

Rose Thorns

 It is quite often that something tells me this subject would make a nice picture. While I was walking round Ferrymooor Flash yesterday afternoon I came across these old and ancient wild rose thorns. You may think well that is not very striking. But in any photo the photographer has a reason for capturing it. My reason it stood out among the other foliage.

Tufted Duck

 A medium sized diving duck but smaller than the Mallard. It has a small crest and yellow eye. A few of these birds can be spotted at Ferrymom flash. It breeds in lowland areas of the UK. I love watching these birds especially when they go under water and normally appear no where near they went under.

Dogwood Flowers

 There is a large clump of this growing at Ferrymoor Flash. Right opposite the second bench. Also known as Cornus it is a deciduous Shrub with striking flower bracts. In winter when the leaves have fallen the stems turn to a vivid red or orange colour. Although this is a plant more often found growing in gardens it is nice to see this here on the reserve. 

Cormorant

 This cormorant likes to perch on this particular post in the lake. A large black water bird with its reptilian neck is often seen with its wings spread to dry out. Although they are not resident at Ferrymoor Flash a very frequent visitor. There are a significant number of wintering numbers. These birds are excellent at fishing.

Pussy Willow

 Known as Pussy Willow these catkins appear in Spring on the Willow tree. Many of these can be found at Ferrymoorv Flash right now. Willow tend to grow near or beside river banks or other sources of water. This one was fairly high up so I had to use a long lens to capture this extreme closeup. The outside of them has a furry look.