Saturday 11 February 2012

A lovely walk around Shakerley Mere............................................................

The sunrise as I travelled to work this morning... but it's still freezing.

After work I had a lovely walk around Shakerley Mere... the lake was in the main frozen over.
Lot's of sticks on the ice... it's a lovely place to visit and mainly by dog walkers and young families.
Throwing things onto a frozen lake seems to amuse people.

The Mallards were having a good preen.

 Coal Tit.
There are a few bird feeders in the trees by the car park... someones very kindly looking after the birds.
My only criticism is the nets some of the food is in... birds little feet can get trapped in the netting.
I have also seen images of birds dangling by their tongues after getting tangled.

 Highlight of my day...

 ...the Long-tailed Tits.

 This little coconut shell full of fat was a real success.

 It was also tempting the Nuthatches... the first I have seen this year.

Yes it's ice... the lake is frozen... get over it.
It was a lovely stroll around the mere but I was freezing.... and so glad when I returned to my car.

25 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

you got to see some great birds! love those long-tails!!!

we're cold here today, too. 20s this morning but warming above freezing now. :)

genie said...

I grew up with coconut trees in my yard, but I do not ever remember little birds pecking at them. I have learned something new today and it tickles me to death. Loved seeing the little bird pecking away. It is so sweet. YOur water shots with the birds are wonderful, too. You have definitely made this frigid weekend a more peasant one for me. genie

John said...

I was just about to criticise the net feeders, but you beat me to it! Mind you, at least there are some feeders!
Hopefully the people that throw sticks onto the ice don`t get their dogs to chase them and then fall through the ice!
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES

Anonymous said...

Lovely photos Andrew ^_^
Have a great weekend!

Eva

Kay said...

Looks like a great walk. I love the birds. You got some really good shots of them.

Shaun said...

Wow, love those nuthatcher. Really nice captures Andrew. Watch out for tomorrows entry, my first ever attempt at photographing birds

Fábio Martins said...

Great catches with that birds. So simple but so nice.

barbara l. hale said...

So pleased to accompany you on your walk. Great bird pics. I love that little nuthatch.

Carole M. said...

Debri on the ice; I guess some like to see how far it will skid; like a hockey-puck. The coal tit and long-tails are delightful, but I am also dis-enchanted re the feeding-nets used. Would it be administered by a local council or such, that you could write to and hopefully address that issue delicately perhaps? Thanks for taking time out in the freezing weather (not sure how you can do that), to share some beautiful photographs again Andrew.

Bob Bushell said...

Nice photos and the speech.

eileeninmd said...

Great post and outing, Andrew. The birds are all wonderful. The goose in the last shot could end up with a pain in the neck.

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

The goose...perfect caption. I like it.

J said...

Lovely shots of the birds on ice. Looks cold there!

grammie g said...

HI Andrew...Well it looks like you getting a taste of winter that you having had so far this winter!!
These are great shots of the long tailed tit...really can see the perspective of the length if the tail !!
That Goose is really admiring itself in it's reflection ..lol
Very nice !!
Gracexx

Sondra said...

the weather has turned off cold here too for the remainder of the weekend...Lovely spot and I Love those Long Tailed Tits they are so cute...

Susan said...

Lovely photos as usual!

Brian King said...

Great photos, Andrew! I especially like the longtails.

DeniseinVA said...

I love how those little birds are hanging onto the coconut shell. All great photos Andrew, very enjoyable!

Carletta said...

Gorgeous sunrise!
The coconut shell is a great idea. I might have to try that. :)
Great shots as always Andrew!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Really beautiful bird captures Andrew, I just love bird pictures, your header shot is fantabulous (I've probably said the before!)

CameraCruise said...

Beautiful shots!
Have a great day.

Magia da Inês said...

Bonito passeio, bonitas fotografias.
Boa semana!
Beijinhos.
Brasil

(⁀‵⁀,)
¸`⋎´
¸.•°`♥

Pantherka said...

Beautiful series of photos, Andrew.
Greetings.

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

Too darn cold Andrew! Somebody needs to get with those volunteer bird feeder people (who I'm sure have a good heart) and make sure the feeders are made better).

And I would want to hang the golden sky picture on my wall!

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Gorgeous shots.