Mallard Duck Chicks

 These are the first chicks of this year to be seen at Ferrymoor Flash. There must be at least fourteen of them. They have been spotted at several different locations of the reserve. They really look so cute with their specked fluffy down.  Lets just hope they survive or at least most of them. 

Marsh Marigold

 There a a few clumps of this flower growing at Ferrymoor Flash. Being an aquatic plant it can be found close by or actually in the water. The flowers look almost like a large Buttercup. Perhaps this is because they are part of the Buttercup family of plants. This is not to be confused with the Kingcups which have a much larger flower altogether.

Coot

Portrait of a Coot. This bird has been around at Ferrymoor Flash for quite some time now. You would not think so by looking at it, but it is disabled. One of the legs is deformed. Whether this is how it was born or perhaps it was attacked who knows. But it is happily feeding and getting about. It even goes in to the lake for a short while. Many people wany it to be taken away, But this could be the end for it best to leave alone. 

 

Getting Greener

 Walking along this path at Ferrymoor Flash just shows how much we really miss Spring. The lovely green shades of  Trees and Foliage. Shadows on the ground being cast by the overhead morning sun. Even a blue sky to get us in a happy mood. If only it could stay like this and the over management would come to a halt. It would take an awful lot for this not to be one of the best Nature Reserves around.

Mute Swan

 Standing on a small island surrounded by trees this Canada Goose seems to be quite content on enjoying life at Ferrymoor Flash among many others. There is possibly a female close by in a nest sitting on a cluster of eggs. I was very pleased when I captured this photo the sunlight was providing a perfect background.

Horse Chestnut

 Probably better known as the Conker tree these large lush green leaves really stand out at this time of the year. This tree is actually beyond the boundary of Ferrymoor Flash. But when it has flowered and the fruits start to appear it will not be long before autumn is here, and conkers are starting to appear on the path. I can always remember playing conkers back in school days it was  great competition among my friends.

What do you think of the new Background? It out of focus raindrops.

Black Headed Gull

 This Black Headed Gull in winter plumage was flying about with many others at Ferrymoor Flash. Although it is called Black Headed the head of the adult bird is more of a chocolate colour. This one in winter plumage just has a black marking behind the eye.