I thought I was having a fairly non-descript day earlier this week when out and about: nice to get out and watch the birds, but nothing unusual and most of it long distance. Then there was this.
Just can't seem to get away from them, this year!
Face-off with a Cyril
It must have spent half an hour coming and going. On the occasions when it was hidden, there was a big flock of Lollipops to keep me amused.
Oooh, what's that over there?
A particularly rotund one with a very pert tail
The Rail comes back and makes a rare dash for the sun, though timing a shot between trees is not easy before it disappears again!
A male Reed bunting poses in the sun
However, at this time of year, when the males are not yet in full breeding plumage I think the females actually look nicer
Such a huge variety of buffs and browns
From a restrained colour scheme to one of the brighter
The Rail decides to wander back. Elusive, you say?
Just after that I actually saw it having a bath, which was a first, but it was in much more secluded spot, well covered by branches, so no photos I'm afraid.
And another Lollipop in an unusual pose
Inspired by Bob's earlier thread, I also went to see if the rumours of the return of my local Dippers were true. I couldn't find them but decided to wait a while to see if one would turn up only to realise the little blighter had been just a few yards away all the time, watching me!
It wasn't hunting though and flew off after a while. Still nice to know they're back (or showing again). I also spotted a couple of Goldcrests on the way. As usual they were never still for a moment, but remained in close view for quite a while, scouring through different trees. I don't know about others, but to me it feels like some sort of photographic initiation to finally get a half-decent shot of one after all those blurred, half-hidden and simply missed attempts to capture one the little jitterbugs...
It's not the best, but it'll do ... until next time!
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Nige Flickr
Beautiful photos Nige, nowt wrong with the Goldcrest either!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
What a rewarding day you had Nigel and have to laugh at the Rails again - I have never known these birds so confident and out in the open some of the time. Lovely photos of them all and congrats on the Dipper, they are superb birds and reminds me I need to revisit the Dove River again as you are "almost" guaranteed a Dipper or 4 lol
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks
Hazy, I think I need to find some other Dippers, too. It's great to have them within walking distance from my house, but the brook at this point is not particularly good for Dipper action photos :)
Lynn L said:nowt wrong with the Goldcrest either!
That's the trouble - always looking for something better!
Wow, very nice Nige, I have not seen a Dipper in years, were most of the taken at pennington flash?
Jim
My Pictures
My Fbook Group
Unknown said:Hazy, I think I need to find some other Dippers, too. It's great to have them within walking distance from my house, but the brook at this point is not particularly good for Dipper action photos :)
This is the location of the start point at Hartington village.
courtesy Google Maps
Fabulous photos Nigel.
The White Peak heralds some fantastic walks, not just along the Dove Valley, but also further north, Monsal Dale, Cresbrook Dale, Lathkill Dale and Bradford Dale to name only a mere few dales, The Limestone Way, and many more.
However, the River Lathkill, trough Lathkill Dale often dries up during the summer, except, the underground river which flows below it....
The Monsal, Tissington and High Peak Trails are interesting walks, following disused railway lines of the former Midland Railway Company, one of Beeching's many casualties of the 60's.
Many of the rivers through the dales, harbour plenty of wildlife.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Michael B said:The Monsal, Tissington and High Peak Trails are interesting walks
I got my first Dipper just over ten years ago at Dovedale.
James G said:were most of the taken at pennington flash?
Yep, all apart from the Dipper and Goldcrest which were from the local park/cycleway
Thanks for the suggestions Hazy and Mike.
There should be loads of local birds, too, as I'm not too far away from the Pennines and it's just a case of finding them. I'm closer to the Dark Peak and perhaps the Forest of Bowland than the White Peak (which is ca. 1.5 hours away), and have non-National Park Pennines even closer still. Anyway, a trip further afield is always nice and it would be great to meet up again, so let me know if/when you go and I'll see if I can get there. At present I'm not up to anything that's not level, but that's due to be sorted at the beginning of March and they tell me I'll be back to full mountain walking fitness if all goes well ... and I can't wait!!
Sounds like you have plenty of great places on your doorstep Nigel but I will certainly let you know if Mike and I head over to Hartington at some stage. Hope all goes well and you are back to full fitness again; I think Mike and I have given up on hills these days lol the last one we did was Shutlingsloe and it was such a windy day I was almost crawling on all fours by the time I got to the top as you couldn't stand up without firmly holding on to the Trig point lol
just had a flock of Redwings briefly visiting the garden fifteen mins ago although most flew overhead without stopping. They are beautiful thrushes.