Mute Swan

 The pair of Mute Swans have now settled on the island. Hopefully they will be nest building and will have a successful breeding season this year. Last year was not too good for them as only only chick survived and turned in to a beautiful Cygnet. Predators do seem to be a problem at Ferrymoor Flash, something that is all too common in nature.

Lichens

 I spotted this on the branch of an old tree while I was walking round Ferrymoor Flash yesterday. It is not  until you study them closeup that you see the shape and form that has been created. These complex life forms arise from a symbolic relationship between fungi and algae.

Coltsfoot

 This is actually a perennial herb that flowers in Spring. A few of these flowers are starting to appear at Ferrymoor Flash. The flowers always appear before the leaves. The bright yellow daisy like flowers do look very similar to Dandelions. The heads stand out so bright in the overhead sun.

Blackbird in a Tree

 This male Blackbird was singing away in a tree at Ferrymoor Flash. It was quite close to where the feeder is situated so perhaps it was ready to investigate what was on offer. I have a pair of these nesting in a Burberry bush at the bottom of our garden. They certainly kick up a racket early in the morning.

Moment of Reflection

 Abstracts have not really been my thing. On my last visit to Ferrymoor Flash I saw this reflection in the lake. The golden brown of the reed heads and the overhead sun all made up this mirage of colours. I zoomed in really close for this photo. What do you think ? 

Grey Squirrel

This guy seems to spend a lot of time at the Bird Feeder but I spotted him up a tree on my last visit to Ferrymoor Flash. There does not seem to be many of these creatures about down there/ I have only ever  seen two of them. Whether they are a pair or not I do not know. I was not aware at the time but I managed to capture his whiskers in this picture.

 

Black Headed Gull

 I took this photo on as what is known locally as "The Beach". A part of Ferymoor Flash that does tend to get very boggy as it is now. Hopefully we are now in to Spring and it will soon dry up . Many of these birds can be found either perched or flying around. When the chance of food is offered they fly down on it fast and furious.