I arrived at Silverdale just after 12-30 and within a few minutes I was on the Leighton Moss reserve with Hazy and Mike. We visited some hides and naturally I spent some time with the 'Propane Tank Robins'. Their territory adjoins that of 'Pathway Robin' and the male frequently flew past Bugingham Palace to chase away his neighbour. On more than one occasion during the four days that I visited, I saw them engage in physical battles although these were brief and not intense. The PTR's had a nest near the staff building entrance and the young fledged on the Tuesday. I didn't get to see them as they dispersed amongst the nettles and shrubs around Bugingham Palace. The female disappeared but the male remained and was always taking food to his young. Over the four days that I visited, I spent most of my time with these Robins. There was also a juvenile Robin that would intrude into the PTR's territory and was also attacked in the same as Pathway Robin. All very entertaining, to me at least and well worth the time.
This Robin was taking a dip in the stream near the picnic area in the woodland near Lillians Hide
GC Grebe and Humbug
Beautiful female Mallard in the reeds to the left as viewed from the Causeway Hide
This female had her teenaged brood to look after
Male Marsh Harrier. My first BIF pics with the new camera setup, all heavily cropped I should add.
Finally, one with the eye visible
This was the only photo I managed of the Female on her distant perch. I failed to get one of her in flight.
On our way back to the main reserve we saw a single Swallow perched high up on a wire. It turned out to be a regular spot for it and others.
Back to the main reserve and more Robins
Propane Tank Robin
Preening Dunnock next to the propane tanks
Sunning Wren
In the trees above Bugingham Palace, a Marsh Tit (I think)
The tree to the left was a popular spot for more sunning. Juvenile GT.
Male Bullfinch taking in the late afternoon sun
This Robin was one of the many hand feeders and took several wax worms
So that was day one...
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
Glad you got to spend your holiday with the L.Moss robins, they were entertaining as you say and plenty going on around the reserve with different species to keep us all enthralled albeit exhausted lol It was nice to see the birds enjoying the sunshine whilst we melted !
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Regards, Hazel
I know Robins are your favourites but you've got to admire the Marsh Harriers for putting on a great display. Good stuff.
I found the heat exhausting with temperatures over 32C down south. I hope it might have been a degree or two cooler up there.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Unknown said: Glad you got to spend your holiday with the L.Moss robins, they were entertaining as you say and plenty going on around the reserve with different species to keep us all enthralled albeit exhausted lol It was nice to see the birds enjoying the sunshine whilst we melted !
Don't forget to include the pic of the hand feeding Juvenile Robin near the Sky Tower when you post your selection. I was too busy feeding it to take photos.
Too late, my slide show is done ! I'll have a hunt but those were taken in the shade so very dark and too close for the 300mm x 2 focal length I had on the camera, however, I may find the Juvenile by your foot.
That was on Monday 19th, so hopefully you haven't done that yet.
Well MC I have enjoyed your various threads, your new camera has been doing you proud. Glad the Robins came out to play and the Marsh Tit and Bullfinch are great to see also.
Lot to learn
I dug them out of the trash can lol I didn't take any hand feeding ones by Sky Tower as the robin was by your foot and we were behind you as you blocked the footpath and we couldn't get past rofl !! did get a very grainy shot by Propane Tank and moth trap if that's the one you mean ?
Here ya go ........ I haven't watermarked them in case you want a copy.
Sky Tower juvenile ....
and near the moth trap and propane tanks .....
Thanks Gaynor. The camera itself isn't new, but it was the first time I had used it with the 400mm lens away from my garden (or at work with the Peregrines) and I hadn't used the rifle mount before, so it was a learning curve. It had always been frustrating when I had the bridge camera as the shutter speed couldn't cope with birds in flight. Leighton Moss offers a great variety of subjects, so it was the perfect place to experiment. There are two more threads to come, with more Robins of course.
Thanks for adding the Robin pics Hazel. The last one is most likely Pathway Robin as the Male PTR does not hand feed. It could be the Female PTR but only if the photo was taken on Sunday or Monday as she disappeared after her brood fledged on Tuesday morning.
Unknown said: but only if the photo was taken on Sunday or Monday as she disappeared after her brood fledged on Tuesday morning.