Gold and Black

Had a short time photographing in the garden as the sun was shining on the feeders. This Goldfinch seems addicted to the sunflower hearts on offer.

Had a walk around Newmillerdam lake in the afternoon. The Coot are common birds but fascinating. They fluff up their plumage and see off all comers into their patch. I just love their feet.

Marvellous Martin Mere

Had a visit to Martin Mere in Lancashire on the way home from the Lake district. Lots of interesting birds to see, captive as well as wild. Feeding wild Whooper swans daily certainly keeps them there in winter. I found a group of them discussing the merits of the place.

The other photo is of a drake Smew. Lovely birds but this one was in the wildfowl collection and not wild. I liked the way the water flew as it has a wash.

Life in the Lakes

Had a few days in the Lake district recently. It rained evvvvvery day. Took a few photos of birds coming to the feeders at the house I was staying at. The Nuthatch was the bully, the Coal Tit the victim who was always getting pushed off the food. The Willow Tit was the opportunist who was hooked on sunflower seeds. Camera wet, me wet - situation normal for the Lakes then!

Garden delight

Spent a little time photographing birds on the garden feeders today. Set the camera up inside the lounge with the patio doors open slightly and some camouflage scrim over the lens. Much warmer than in my hide but if I put the central heating on, the warm air going out of the door mixes with the cold and creates a shimmer that does nothing for the photos.

The sunflower hearts are the best attraction and this Great Tit loves them. He comes for one at a time and then rushes away to eat it, never staying on the perch I've clamped on a pole for more than a second or two.