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.

Black Headed Gulls

On my last visit to Ferrymoor there were loads of Black Headed Gulls in winter plumage perched on a tree at the edge of the island. They are easy to identify as they do not have a black head but a black spot on the side of their face. The heads of them are not normally black as the name suggests but more of a chocolate brown. I counted 28 of these birds in this location.

 

Sunlight on Winter Foliage

 The winter light always looks very dramatic on dead foliage especially when walking round Ferrymoor. Yesterday I took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. The results of birds coming in to my garden were 2 Blackbirds one male and one female, 2 Bluetits and a single Wren. Looking beyond the garden in to the field behind there were 16 Magpies, 1 Crow, 1Kestrel, 2 Black Headed Gulls and a single Feral Pigeon. Although these could not be recorded on the RSPB BGB results

Gadwall

 There is quite often at least one of these birds to be found at Ferrymoor. This grey coloured dabbling duck is slightly smaller than the Mallard Duck. Nesting is very low in the UK. If you see one they can be mistaken for the female Mallard. I love the patterns and shapes in the plumage. The black rear is also a good give away to this bird.

Moody Landscape

 Sometimes the sky and lighting help in getting a good picture. This time was that one time. Shooting in to the sunlight managed to produce a silhouette effect and magnificent reflections in the water at Ferrymoor. I did not go  to the Flash yesterday as Storm Eowyn decided to give us a visit. The strong gale force winds were a good enough reason to stay indoors it seemed a good idea in keeping safe.