OK, after being booked by the family this week, I was given a two day release. My son had a hernia op which was open rather than keyhole, back in Jan and needed transport because he still isn't able to drive. However, a friend of his managed to get the time off, which then freed me up, and as I hadn't been to Middleton for a while, it seemed an ideal choice, and even the forecast was for a dry day.....
An urban sunrise to start the day with.
Any corrections gratefully received.
The herons were busy on the heronry, though I didn't see much nest building material going in, nothing quite as spectacular as the photo in the following link from February 2020.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/peak-rambler/49478627307/in/album-72157712926971693/
Look out!
I'm coming in!
A crow scanning the area....
Wandering between the West and East Scrapes along the Seasonal Trail, a pair of stonechats, M&F, but only Mr stayed long enough for me to grab a photo.
On to the Lookout, a brick built hide of substantial room, I had all to myself, and looking through all windows was, awesome....
Especially when I spied this great white egret in the distance. Luckily, I had the 2x extender, which I very nearly decided to leave back at home.
Dark clouds were a looming over Drayton Manor Park and Tamworth!
And over my path back to the car park!
Passing North Pool, a little egret flew in
Mr Tuftie gave a little show....
Always good for a piccie, whatever the weather, no matter how dull or bright, Mr Gadwall
Who was swimming to rejoin Mrs Gadwall
The ever present robin at one of the two points where they know folk will feed them....
Err, very sorry, but I couldn't find the food pot (it was hiding in my lovely coat of many pockets yet to be explored)
Mrs Reed Bunting looking as lovely as ever
Also hoping for food from the human at the other feeding point...
Yes, I can see its devoid of food.
Mr Reed Bunting came along, not too impressed though
You know when you get that look?
Those who have had, still have, dogs, and I'm sure cats will do the same....
Then down to the platform, still with that look!
The end of a quiet, but enjoyable day.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
(Pardon the Scottish Accent)
Linda257 said:Oh Drayron Manor Park brings back memories Mike...my youngest was Thomas the Tank Engine daft! I sooooooo prefer quiet days birding now than theme parks and wains!! Lol
I'm about 20 mins drive away, so that'll give you an idea of my territory, blighted now with HS2.
The Aston Villa training ground is right next door to the reserve, as is Middleton Hall.
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Regards, Hazel
Unknown said:Lovely set Mike and how striking the reed buntings look. Great pics.
Thank you Hazel.
Mrs Red Bunting was catching the low afternoon light brilliantly and so radiant.
Lot to learn
gaynorsl said:Seeing those clouds I would have been tempted to stay in the hide Mike, then I would have missed the birds you saw.
The clouds appeared early afternoon as I was walking back to the car park. Sadly, the hide is at the furthest point from the car park, though there are some viewing screens a little nearer, but still a long walk away.
The birds at the feeding points either don't grasp the concept of no food in pockets, or try to make folk feel guilty, they keep returning whenever someone gets near a feeding point, ever hopeful.....
Just to add, you may recall my nice new coat of many pockets yet to be explored?
Well, the following day I found the food, in one of those inside pockets yet to be explored!
PimperneBloke said:Lovely set Mike, super variety
You're welcome and thank you.
The dinosauromonts weren't out to play, again.....