I was heading up for a week in the Scottish Borders, which gave me the chance to visit this lovely part of the world on the way up - usually I live several hours' drive from it. As I set out from my home on the Suffolk coast the weather was lovely, but sadly it deteriorated - by the time I reached Scotch Corner on the A1 it was absolutely disgusting! Mercifully, though, by the time I got to Bowness on Solway the rain had stopped - though it was quite cold and grey. I parked the car at the reserve - it was the only car there! - and went for a wander.
The feeder birds were much in evidence:
If there's a part of the UK which doesn't have chaffinches I've yet to visit it.
Awwwww!
I did the shorter walk around the reserve, which was a nice little circular walk and included one hide. I did spend a short while in the hide but everything must have heard I was coming - nothing was visible! I did manage to catch this cheeky bird in a tree, though:
After a quick cup of tea at the Visitor Centre I headed for a drive around the area, having been reassured the incoming tide wouldn't cover the road. There were several lapwings about:
As I watched the lapwings this lovely little bird made an appearance - at first I thought it was a reed warbler but I've since been told otherwise:
A lovely juvenile willow warbler! Many thanks to Seymouraves, John and Judith for their help in ID-ing this bird.
Further along the road I had to snap this handsome oystercatcher......
......as well as this copycat lesser black-backed gull!
I don't know whether this crow is connected to the legendary Hero the Crow of Campfield fame, but it's a nice thought.
That beady eye is on me as it stretches a wing. Lovely.
I'm finishing with a gorgeous pied wagtail - I can never resist these.
I enjoyed my first visit to this area but I must confess I hope it's warmer and drier next time.
Pleased you enjoyed you visit - even on an inclement day!
Thanks for giving us some great photos to enjoy, also.