Everything is an easy walk from 'Abigail's Hostel' that we are staying. It is a great place with lots of security, delicious protein rich free breakfast and located right on the River Liffey. Dublin, which we didn't know, has a river that runs through it with many picturesque bridges criss crossing along it's route. Thus, this big city is so welcoming and quaint that you don't feel like you are in a big city.
We came upon St. Stephen's Green, a 22 acres of green parkland inside this bustling city. A great place to slow down and ground yourself. Lately, we have needed to find a few quiet places to relax. Parks, bird watching, water ways....it all works for us to slow our pace down.
It feels and looks like Spring here in Dublin. The crocuses are already up through the ground. Vibrant yellows, mauves and purples on a sea of green grass.
Don't hate us...but they have been cutting the grass now for weeks. Everything has remained green. No yellow or dark dead grass. It almost looks like sod.
Swans, ducks, pigeons, gulls, robins, fish....trees, grass, benches....and even sun on this glorious day.
This is a Moorhen bird. It was away off from the other ducks. We thought it was a duck until it climbed on the rocks and we caught sight of it's 'chicken' feet. He has quite the beak. We named him Beaker until I looked him up in my bird book.
One of the biggest British birds is the Muted Swan. We see them all over the UK. These beautiful birds mate for life, living up to 15 years. This swan is defending it's territory by arching it's wings over it's back. It is called 'busking.' It makes itself appear bigger and more regal.
My Moorhen bird....check out the 'chicken feet.' Very odd looking.
Palm trees in Dublin? I did not know that palm trees would grow here but in fact they are everywhere, especially on the coastal cities and towns. It was explained by a new friend, Sinead, that it is due to the Gulf Stream that results in a temperate climate.
A really neat 'Tufted Duck.' With a wee tuft of feathers on the back of the head.
Some trees are budding, but the majority have blossomed and look beautiful. Apple blossoms?
Deb and I have now been travelling for almost 4 months and we realize that we hadn't thought about booking rest days. There is so much to see and do that we can't help ourselves but to keep going. Not to sound ungrateful but we look forward to being in one place, Conwy, Wales for two weeks, when we leave Ireland.
When I see this pigeon I think of roses and dandelions. That may sound weird, but if someone had said that dandelions were beautiful flowers and not weeds, everyone would love them. The same mentality goes for my beautiful birds. Pigeons and gulls are not as celebrated as robins and bluejays? But I have decided that they need to be photographed and loved as well. In fact there are many different types of gulls and pigeons. When I started to look at them in a different light, they have such varying colours that are quite interesting.....and appealing.
Swans are graceful and quite beautiful, no doubt about that. I can't believe how many we have seen in Scotland and Ireland. I am talking about flocks of 10-40 of them.
This two toned brown duck is the female partner of the Tufted Duck. She was quite rich and lovely looking.
Our winter haven for our Mallards and partners from Canada. Enjoying the warm climate of Ireland. They were definitely happy to see other Canucks.
An awe moment......warmth and sun.
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