Thought you may like to see a little scenery from our walk yesterday morning; there was a distinct lack of birds to photograph, except from a distance but I will include a few of what we saw for you although not the best of shots
First the area by the River Weaver and a couple of Neumann's Flash too
Riverside Robin's area is way up in the distance past the bend on the right hand side
and there were a lot of Bullfinches; at one time we saw a small flock together but only got chance for individual pics
Chaffinch were in numbers too
Greenfinch
and the only shot of a Reed Bunting I could manage
this Mute Swan appeared out of nowhere so I only had chance to point and grab any pics .... there is another on bad pics lol
and these were as close as I could get to ........I think Redwings
and I think you will know this tiny bottom LOL although a poor silhouette
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Regards, Hazel
Looks a nice place for a walk. What's the big industrial plant?
I'm finding birds are a bit scarce too. I think it must be the mild weather - it's up to 10C today but very dull.
Nice shots of the Bullfinches. I'm glad you see so many - they seem very scarce down south.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Hi TJ, the industrial plant is Tata who make Soda Ash for the glass industry; I think Soda Ash is also used in cleaning materials; years ago they used to send the Ash via the river barges to the Potteries in Staffordshire and I am pretty sure Port Sunlight would have used it too for soap and cleaning products.
To be honest, I saw more birds in our own garden than on the walk yesterday ! It is a lovely sunny day today and mild as you say but the birds are eating enormous quanities of raw pastry and I've just had to make another 6 logs of it lol
There are a lot of Bullfinches around and we should have at least one pair still in the garden so fingers crossed they stay for springtime and raise another brood. It was the first time yesterday when I saw around 8 of them together in a flock; paired up by the looks of it so again, a good sign for springtime onwards. I always hear their distinctive call when out walking but don't always see them as they lurk in the furthest bushes lol
LOL Alan !! It is an amazing and very diverse area with woods, river, canal, brook, mere, open pastures and town centre close by for coffee lol We are lucky to have 22 miles in that area to explore so even though we go very often we can always take a different route .........although I find myself always including the River Weaver because the friendly Robin is there !! Hope to go again tomorrow so today I am catching up on those household chores you always put off until springtime lol having a good clear-out too ! I will feel less guilty when I walk tomorrow ;)
Unknown said:I will feel less guilty when I walk tomorrow
Don't ever feel guilty about going out for a walk Hazy & in such a beautiful area too. Great photos especially the bullfinches.
Best wishes
Hazel in Southwest France
LOL Hazel, you are right, a walk is good for the body and the soul, especially if you see birds and wildlife too :) !!
Hi Hazy. Lovely photos of a beautiful area. I have to say that I really enjoy seeing the different areas where people go to walk and see the birds. You still have a good selection of birds there and I think that just getting out is always great. Sometimes you see lots and sometimes you see very little. I'm generally happy either way. Love the Bullfinch's and Swan shots especially.
Paul
My bird photos HERE
Evening Paul and thank you. we are lucky to have so many nature reserves within 20 minutes drive, hoping the weather is good for tomorrow so we can get back out there !
Great set of photos Hazy- the colours & light is gorgeous,lovely selection of birds too-love the L.T.T silhouette!I can see why you love this place so much
Jayne
See my Flickr photos here.
Love that view of the river aitch .. all looks so peaceful & serene & you do get to see such a variety (usually) of birds, been very wet here today but did have visit from female Kestrel so have started a new thread in the hope of a successful nest this year ..no Mr K yet though!!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Thanks Jayne and Wendy
@ Jayne - the LTT appeared as I was videoing the Robin right above my head but the sunlight was right behind it so I only got that pic.
@ Wendy - I love the River area, it has so much wildlife and birds there; when I went last week a Rodent of some kind suddenly appeared out of the long grass but I didn't have time to see if it was a stoat, weasel (or mink which are fairly common) in that area ......or it could have been a large rat, I only got 2 seconds to glance at it before it sped off again at the sight of me LOL didn't think I looked that scary !!
I will take a look at your new thread .... sounds promising with a female Kestrel in the area so hope Mr. K doesn't dilly dally too long !!