Lots of Redwings but only one posed for photos !

Chilly and unfortunately a very dark/grey day today so not ideal for photographs and to practice with the Bridge camera, however, making the most of poor conditions I did see a few Redwings and one of them (although behind some twigs) did stay around for a while :)  the "noise" was quite an issue with the poor light, however, as its a Redwing I thought you may still like to see it.      We also saw our old friend Riverside Robin and there was a Treecreeper hunting for insects in one of the Woodland trees between Neumanns and Marbury Lane although not much of a pic as it was very dark amongst the wooded area.

Redwing first who unlike the other Redwings didn't seen to mind our presence  .....   pity there are always twigs in the way !

This is Neumann's Flash which is a salt flash along with the adjoining Ashtons Flash which were created by the subsidence caused by the extraction of salt from mining which took place many years ago.  

These are some of the pathways we take to give you an idea of the area .....

this is heading from Dairy House Meadow or Marbury Lane area towards Neumann's Flash - there are 22 miles of pathways connecting these areas and also Anderton Boat Lift and Marbury Country Park.

This is alongside Witton brook which runs off River Weaver and the pathway which leads to Riverside Robin who is to be found a little further on than this photos shows.   

View looking towards Tata Soda Ash industrial plant from Cardens Ferry Bridge

An interesting use for tree stumps !    carved out deliberately but for what purpose or bird I do not know !!  

  There are Tawny Owls and Kestrels in the area as well as Common Buzzards.

Riverside Robin who will usually come flying in from afar if you call "Robbie"    lol

Pastry is always on offer (which he takes from your fingers) plus a few suet pellets and this time I took sunflower hearts and peanuts too  !

this little bird seems to love company - always inquisitive and always enchanting   :)

he decided to warble us a tune here - he's always so appreciative of an audience   lol

could pop him in my pocket and bring him home    !!!    adorable little fellow  :)

A blackbird was near Neumanns Flash, feasting on the berries; 

  not a great shot but its got an arty sort of look about it  with the berries and reed grass  lol

the only pic I could get of the Treecreeper in the dark woodland area

and a stray cat who prefers to live in the wild -   it sits on the warm pipelines that run from Tata industrial plant.  

   The locals tend to feed him regularly so occasionally you find the foxes in that area too searching for any remaining food.

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Regards, Hazel 

  • Lovely photos. I remember that walk (and that Robin!). You mentioned the large numbers of Redwings, I've only ever seen one so far. RR steals the show once more.

    Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos

    (One bush does not shelter two Robins)

    Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)

     

  • Brilliant set of photo's Hazel, your Redwings were far more obliging than mine, as was the Tree Creeper,and I had the benefit of yesterdays beautiful weather, so well done. R.R is a delight and so friendly, lovely close ups.

    cheers  Terry

    my photo's here

  • Thanks MC,  folk have been reporting numbers or Redwing in the area but apart from one or two on recent walks its the first time I've seen more than a dozen;  lots of blackbirds were in the same area too so the thrushes were sticking together !   So glad RR is still around, it wouldn't be the same place without him lol

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    Regards, Hazel 

  • Thanks Terry,  it was pretty gloomy today and around 5 - 6 degrees so got pretty chilly standing still for Riverside Robin and the Redwing  lol

    _____________________________________

    Regards, Hazel 

  • Brave soul you are aitch traipsing all over in that chilly weather but it paid off with many great pics & RR is a delight!! I was in my warm kitchen following my best winter pursuit of baking & watching my garden birds, with an added bonus today of a dear little Wren!

     

     2013 photos & vids here

    eff37 on Flickr

  • Morning Wendy,  much prefer chilly dry weather to balmy 15 degrees with wind and rain so I shouldn't be complaining  lol     give me a bright frosty day to damp, wet and windy one !    In some ways I had been hoping for thick foggy morning to go photograph the Red and Fallow deer in our local park but no conditions like that so far - just drizzle today on and off and back to gloom !!      Hope you are doing ok, got over all the cold/bug season and enjoying the Wren and other garden birds  :)   Did you get pic of the Wren ?   feel free to post any here lol  

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    Regards, Hazel 

  • Decided to just enjoy watching Wren instead of dashing for cam in futile hope of a pic!!  It wasn't set up as too much heat & flour/choc dust flying around! Lol

     

     2013 photos & vids here

    eff37 on Flickr

  • lol Wendy,  get kettle on I'm coming over to yours for cake :)   lol

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    Regards, Hazel 

  • Sorry aitch but can't touch this one ... it's a gluten free choc special for my lovely Niece's birthday tomorrow!!  Just baked the other tier today & now must make unctious choc filling & topping ... Byron will think I'm wonderful as he's a great choc loving boy!

     

     2013 photos & vids here

    eff37 on Flickr

  • WendyBartter said:
    Just baked the other tier

      you take making birthday cakes to a new level  lol     not telling Mike as he's a real cake and dessert lover !   sounds like the children are going to have a scrumptious feast, bless them;   Happy birthday to your niece in advance :)   XX

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    Regards, Hazel