Yet again I have failed miserably to keep this blog up to date. My only excuse, if you can call it that, is that we have been out every weekend that we've been free - both housekeeping and blog-writing have taken 2nd place. So, having filled the bins, I'm now putting a few notes together, but only for January mind; February comes later.
The year started with some cold days stood at Parkgate, watching the tide rolling up to the wall. The saltmarsh was alive with activity as it's usual occupants found themselves washed out, and trying to get to the safety of dry land. Meanwhile others were trying to make the most of an easy lunch, Short-eared Owls, Harriers, and Kestrels patrolled above, dropping to pick up a snack. Even Herons and Gulls made the most of the feast.
Through the tide swam this Water Rail; usually very well hidden in the reeds, now exposed to the predators, making a dash for a floating raft.
By the wall this little chap was spotted; I'm afraid I'm not up on my mammals, so not shure if a vole, shrew, or mouse. Whichever, he was riding on the top of the floating reeds, struggling to keep out of the water.
I wish I could produce some photos of the owls and harriers. Beautiful birds deserving a fine portrait. However, I have none yet. The best I can manage is this buzzard over Marbury Country Park, near Northwich. While the picture is poor, it is many times better than my other attempts. Practice, practice, practice...
When we've had enough of being freeze-dried by the wind, we've headed into the woods for some shelter. As we've become more attuned to the movements and sounds in the woods, we've taken delight in finding Treecreepers. These fascinating birds scurry up trees, searching for food, before then flyinh to the base of another tree and starting again. It's really easy to overlook them, so well camouflaged are these bird-mice. Yet keep still, and suddenly you'll notice a faint movement in the corner of your eye, and you'll realise you've found one of these delightful birds. Watch enthralled as they cling to the trunk, balancing themselves against their tails as they pry out an insect.
Talking of things in trees, I keep finding myself asking a question... What is it that drivers some people to collect up their dog's poo, and then hang it from a tree ? We keep coming across this, and I cannot understand it at all... Do these people think that someone follows them round collecting the bags from the trees? Surely it would be better to leave it unbagged, and knocked to the side of the path with a stick, than wrapped up in plastic and tossed up into the branches? This was from Stanney Woods, but sadly we've seen it in my places. Please - if you have a dog, this is NOT acceptable. Please, bag it AND BIN IT !!!
On a happier note, we've been back to Martin Mere, and managed to catch up with the single Bewick's Swan that's visited this year. This swan is slightly smaller than a Whopper, and has much more black on it's beak. Obviously it's a hard life being a swan at Martin Mere, as this one rests up waiting the next offering of food from the staff at this reserve.
Still at Martin Mere, we were walking along the path when we heard a loud outpouring of song. We looked but couldn't see the culprit.... until we looked down, and almost at our feet was this handsome chappie, singing out for all his worth. As you walk around, take care not to overlook the common robin, for a real delight they can be, a bringer of smiles.
And to finish off, on one of the gates in the reserve, we saw this pair of love-birds. These wood-pigeons clearly thought Spring was just around the corner... You know the tune, all together now... "Love is in the air, every where I look around"....
