Rock Pipit ?

Had a very quick 10 minute walk down to the beach this afteroon; was getting late and the light was going but was delighted to notice this wee birdie sitting on a rock. Consensus opinion is that it's a Rock Pipit....

NT Nymans Gardens... in the rain

I met a friend at NT Nymans Gardens today..  It was dull and grey when we arrived so we had some Winter Vegetable soup before heading out for a walk around the gardens.  The soup was nice but no pieces of veg... just liquid!!

By the time we'd finished the rain had started - gently.  We grabbed waterproofs and brollys and headed off.

They often have events and this current one was rather different and interesting:

Advent Calendar of Flowers

Bold and daring new pieces of art will emerge in the garden every day during Advent, culminating in the final piece on Christmas Eve.

After about 10 mins the rain was chucking it down but, despite this, there was a great amount of colour in the Advent Calendar.  I shall go back after it's complete and, hopefully, on a sunny day.  Today is the 19th so a few more to come.

Taking pictures whilst holding an umbrella is not the easiest of things to do and the lighting conditions were, at least, challenging!!

Swans-down at WWT Welney

We headed off for Anglesey Abbey,( thinking we'd have a picturesque stroll around the gardens) - and so did the rain. Change of plan and we went to WWT Welney for some swans. At this time of the year Whooper and Berwick swans start arriving. There was plenty of coming and going. Other species included: Pintail, Snipe, many Pochard, a Kestrel (on a fence post), Gadwall, Tufties, Coots (of course!!), Lapwing, Brent Geese.

The light was dreadful but the sun did eventually come out which was great.  BUT it was bitterly cold and the first real "winter's" day.

Good to have some fresh air and stretch the legs though :D and then back for a welcome cuppa!

Shivering at RSPB Rye Meads

I believe I can say that today was the first day I was FROZEN as I wandered around Rye Meads.. or rather walked briskly to keep warm. Nothing about very much in the way of birds; managed a quick shot of this Little Grebe. Needless to say the light was appalling and we'd had a "sprinkling" of snow in some areas

There are about 4 Konik horses at Rye Meads; I don't know if it was the sudden drop in temperature but they were in feisty mood and having a nip at each other.