Not to be insensitive, but since we arrived in Wales the weather has changed drastically. Ireland and Scotland were cold enough we needed coats and layers, hats and mitts. But we are actually down to a shirt and light sweater. Not trying to be a smarty pants, but I had no idea the weather would be so mild here. It was 19' Celsius here yesterday. We have been overdressed for days. For anyone who would like to visit the UK in off season, I say go for it.
Between heading out on day trips around Northern Wales we have squeezed in quieter days too. Another trip to the Nature Reserve was something we both needed to do.
Back to see my beautiful, photogenic Robin who I get so close to, I think I should scoop him up and bring back to Canada. He doesn't look like our Robin except for the familiar red.
Quiet serenity on the boardwalk. Walking softly, and slowly looking for wee birds.
This wee bird was so difficult to see amongst the tree branches. It was well camouflaged. Because I can't see enough of him, I can't be certain what kind of bird he is. Possibly a type of Warbler or Sparrow. Pretty none the less.
A funny way to perch? With his wee rollie pollie belly leaning down on the branch? A little Dunnock bird quietly watching.
Not a totally clear, crisp picture, but such an colourful bird I had to share it. A Goldfinch, which I have never seen before, even though we have them in Canada. The only spot I could catch him, was when he was actually at the birdfeeder....sometimes upside down. Even though it is a Nature Reserve, they do put out some seeds to help keep them nourished during the winter season.
This fella did not want his photo taken no matter how long I stood there. It is called a Blue Tit. I am not making that up! A very unfortunate name. Very vivid blue and yellow colours on this lad make it easy to identify. Gorgeous.
No need to be a bird watcher to recognize my sweet Robin. He loves having his picture taken. Posing for many minutes while I get the shot.
Unmistakably this is a Bullfinch. Incredible colours of red, grey and black. Unfortunately for these birds their numbers are declining. Often treated as a pest because they like soft buds from fruit trees.
A Song Thrush usually feeds on snails, worms and insects on the ground. More easily seen and observed because they are out in the open.
Hiding from the paparazzi this Dunnock bird flew into the nearest thick brush and hid. Beautiful combination of greys and colours makes him very pretty.
Another Blue Tit.....no I am not being funny.....they are adorable.
A Black bird below.....no just kidding. My wee friend...the Robin. Much smaller than our North American Robins. About the size of a Sparrow. He has a beautiful song which I don't recall our Robins to have.
A Tree Sparrow (on the top right, in the photo below) likes hanging out with the Finches. He usually likes to eat on the ground, but I caught him in the trees this time.
No name Pretty birds.....hanging with friends.
I can't show you the picture I took of these two swans just seconds before this one.....because to be honest, 'they should have gotten a room'. A bit too romantic for Deb and I to witness. To be clear, we had never seen two swans being 'affectionate' in the water before?
In any event, Muted swans mate for life. They can live to be 15 years old. I wonder how long these two have been a couple? The obviously still love each other.
There is an ancient English phrase which goes like this "bald as a coot." 'Balled' actually means 'white' rather than hairless or featherless. Thus this interesting bird, which we have seen before is called a Coot. This bird is black, with a white bill, legs, head, and it's creepy red eyes. It bobs up and down in the water so often, and quickly, it is hard to get a great photo. But this fella came up on land for a few minutes which helped me to obtain this shot.
Deb took a few minutes to sit quietly in the marsh while I decided to keep exploring. I went through the gate to follow the wetland paths and came upon the horses across the pond! Beautiful. We did see them last time but they were quite a ways from us.
This beauty was the first face I saw and he was only about 20 feet from me. Sooooo....I headed softly and gently back to the gate and into the safety of the boardwalk. Not really comfortable with animals, I didn't want the horse to eat me!
A Tree Sparrow sitting amongst the new budding branches of a tree in the wetlands.
Another incredible day at the Nature Reserve. Here are all my friends saying good-bye. Until next time of course.
P.S. On our way home from the Nature Reserve Deb spotted these Grey Herons sitting on the river bed (the tide was out) having a bite to eat??
No comments:
Post a Comment