I sat down on a bench for a few minutes and this bird flew in and landed on an old fallen tree. It stayed for a few minutes and then flew off again. I have seen Kingfishers at Ferrymoor Flash before but not really managed to get a photo of them here. After walking up to the next bench it flew across the front of us near to where the two Grebe Juveniles were swimming about.
It looks as though we could be in for a very early autumn this year. Many of the wildflowers are starting to go brown and turn to seed. Also some of the leaves on the trees are starting to turn colour. Lets hope we do not get a long hard winter. These thistles are definitely going over.
There appear to be many Butterflies at the moment on the Blackberry Bushes opposite what is known as the beach. On my past few visits I have seen Red Admiral, Comma. Small Blue and Peacock. The Speckled wood normally prefers the dappled sunlight of woodland areas. It can also be found in hedgerows and even Gardens. Despite declines the range has spread over recent years.
A short walk around the lake cannot be done because the path does not go all the way round. If you needed to do this a small section of the main road has to be tackled. A good start would be from the first steps and then walk anti clockwise around the lake passing three good viewing points. Following on to another view point where a bench is situated for a rest. Then on to the next viewing point where this photo was taken. Next on to an area known by the locals as the Beach. Finally passing a feeding station and then on up a slope to where a picnic area is situated. You could then carry on via the road or return the way you came.
It is quite amazing to see these birds feeding. They tip their bodies so their head is under water and their tail remains above water. This seems to be a regular occurrence on the lake. The quantity of these birds at Ferrymoor Flash seems to be increasing again. On my last visit their were also at least seven Goldfinches beside the path near the third seat.
There are a few of these growing in places around the lake. They can grow very tall with rosettes of large flowers. Once the buds start to form it takes quite some time for the flowers to actually open. This usually happens between mid June and September. I normally like to capture a picture of these just after a fall of rain when the water droplets are clinging to the flowers.
If there is one time of day that I enjoy getting out with the camera it has got to be early morning. The sun is in a position to supply excellent lighting. I stopped at the second seat to view what was about and when I looked up I saw these leaves. I guess lighting has always been something that is my number one when it come to photography.
Also known as the May tree the month in which the flowers appear. The pale green leaves appear first before the explosion of pale pink flow...
