We got showers and sunshine on the way there and the sun was still out when we arrived. The wind was howling through the Pick-up hide so we lingered only long enough to pick out Gadwall, Mallard and Coot on the Water.
There were plenty of smaller birds in the trees and at the feeders - Great, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch....
Chaffinch
Robin
There were a few Gulls down in the big hole mostly Black-headed and a smaller Pipit type bird perched on a rock that we couldn't pin down due to the strong winds and not being able to stand still! The sun was shining though so we continued on to the Coal Tips, seeing Shoveler, Geese and a few ducks.
A big black cloud loomed in front of us and we were hit by a sudden huge hailstorm, which combined with the wind on the open tops was not the greatest moment ever, luckily it didn't last long but we decided to abandon our walk round as the weather was just too changeable.
The hail being blown side ways
The poor cows weren't happy!
The view of big hole 5 minutes later!!
We warmed up with tea in the visitors centre and got some food for the ducks on the lake. Of course as soon as we headed for the lake the hail started again but we just went anyway! The ducks didn't seem bothered and were straight on the food.
Mallards
It's always interesting to see the range of plumage in the Black-headed Gulls
Although the weather was at times atrocious it was good to get out of the house. On a side note the weather didn't get much better and Fairburn ended up being closed for a couple of days due to flooding earlier this week.
I am generally pretty sanguine about the weather and deal with it as best I can, but sideways hail might just drive me inside! You get full marks for staying out in it and I am sure the ducks appreciated your tenacity.
ReplyDeleteLuckily the hail showers although sharp were short!
DeleteHi Pam! You had it all rain, sun, wind, hail! Jeepers! Glad you still got to see some good birds, ducks, and gull! Sometimes I admit Im a wuss when it comes to bad weather I take the gloom personally...lol
ReplyDeleteLol! We're pretty hardy, I think we'd never go out sometimes if we weren't!
DeleteWell done Pam for getting out, I get cabin fever if I don't get out in the fresh air at least once a day.
ReplyDeleteAmanda xx
I know what you mean! xx
DeleteLovely photos even though the weather wasn't good. I bet the ducks appreciated the food. We are getting quite a few chaffinches in our garden at the moment:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosie. How lucky to be getting Chaffinches in the garden, we only get them about about twice a year in ours!
DeleteGood sightings and lovely photos but such a shame about the weather. Thank goodness it now seems more settled.
ReplyDeleteThanks Caroline, yes the weather was just dire. Of course it's so changeable isn't it! We have glorious sunshine today!
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