The opening buds of Mimosa painted yellow dots on the soft branches of green, and the scent of flowers enveloped me"
I decided to walk up the hill through the conifer and silver birch woods.
Tis good to dream........ :D (just in case you thought I'd lost the plot completely)
The morning started somewhat differently to that as mentioned above, but.... I had another unexpected visitor - this time a female Reed Bunting! Assuming I'm correct with my ID that means I've now had a male and female so........
I wanted some exercise but the weather was dreadful. It stopped raining so I headed off for Painshill. Much to my surprise the Goosanders were still there. Initially I spotted a male and 4 four females. Whilst I watch they flew up the other end of the lake and I continued my walk.
I counted 24 mute swans which is a huge number for here. There seemed to be two families; one of 7 cygnets and another of 5. I'm surprised they are still together and would have thought the young would have left by now.
And another record shot - I'm getting good at record shots!
I continued walking and was entertained by the pictures that old age had wrought on these splendid trees!
Walking through the woods, a Redwing darted away from me. The Kingfisher remained just a thought today though.
The lake was still today without much wind...hopefully there will be a bit of colour before too long!
The dozens of Canada Geese were so noisy; away over on the middle island of the lake it was obvious they were pairing up with the males noisily defending their partners and territory. Quite a few greylag geese about and numbers will increase. The young Great Crested Grebe from last year was still visible; about 24 Gadwall - not seen that many here before. Loads of Tufties, Coots and Mallards and a solitary Grey Heron. Nuthatches called and robins, blue and great tits dashed about. A woodpecker "bounced" overhead on a mission to somewhere. The birds are getting busier :D
On my last visit I'd heard Buzzards but not today. Last year they nested here so I shall be keeping my eyes open.
Walking up the left hand side of the left-hand side of the lake (it really does make sense as the right-hand land you can see here is a peninsular) is where I saw even more Goosanders on my way back. Having seen the original five in another area, I now counted 5 males and 3 more females - making 12 in total. I do hope for better light so I can get back before they leave!
I decided to walk up the hill through the conifer and silver birch woods.
At the very top is the Tower. You can climb to the very but although I've done it, I gave it a miss today.
The rain came back again so I stowed away the camera and headed off home. Not bad in terms of birds considering I'd just gone for a walk expecting not to see very much!
And I'd attached the landscape lens before heading out; the numbers of times I changed lens today is crazy!
10 comments:
Yes I thought you had flipped for a moment there Tricia. Thats female Reed Bunting and nice shots as well.
Great winter woodland scenes you have taken and I love the snowdrops.
Reed Buntings in the garden...oooh you are lucky :)
'Tropically warm'! Wouldn't that be wonderful? It really is getting a bit much now, I think we are all fed up with it.
I loved the old tree trunks, I bet they could tell a tale or two.
Once I'm up to 'jogging' speed, that looks to be a good place to visit. ;)
Love that little Hobbit house too lol
Hi Tricia,
I was stunned by the two pictures (close-up) of the trees. They seem so old and have a so nice shape... Fantastic trace of the past...
Wonderful shots. I love the old tree trunks especially.
I really did think you had lost it!! with that opening Tricia, lol.
Yes you have a lovely female Reed Bunting, and ain't she beautiful in her 1st winter plumage. Love those trees too.
paul.
Some lovely pictures as ever Tricia - I particularly loved the ones of the old Oak trees - some wonderful bark - all twisted and gnarled... lovely sunny day here today but still v. cold - more of the same tomorrow - off to measure up for a new design so am hoping the temperatures will be kind to me! Take care Miranda
The "hermitage" looks like a great place to live with a nice view ;)
Roy - thanks. Snowdrops everywhere now and such a great herald to forthcoming Spring.
Jan - I'm sure you're right about the trees. The Park dates back to the 17th century - the trees? Well....
Keith - As soon as you're up to speed I'd be pleased to be your guide when you can get "down this way" :D Someone actually lived in the Hermitage for a while with the agreement of Painshill!! Don't think I'd have enjoyed it though.
Chris - I'm sure the trees are very old. I love their gnarled look.
OC - the old trees are amazing and so interesting.
Miranda - thank you. Glad you had some sun despite the cold. I love old trees - they have so much character. Hope the new design went well - good luck!
Janine - the view's excellent - the amenities somewhat lacking though ;)
Another beautiful set of photos Tricia, and nice to see the Reed Bunting pics, i have had 2 in my garden for the last couple of weeks!!Im very pleased about that!! x
Post a Comment