Dunnock in the haze
We were lucky to spot a Water Rail from the Willow Path Hide, it popped out briefly in full view but we were able to watch it walk along the edge of the reeds for a while.
(grey blob in the middle of the photo)
Elsewhere on the water we saw Teal, Gadwall, Common and Black-headed Gulls, Goosander, Little Grebe and briefly a Kingfisher.
Gadwall
Black-headed Gull
Smaller birds included Blue, Great Tits, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Linnet, Wren, Dunnock.
Great Tit
Chaffinch
Linnets
On the walk up to the managers garden the trees were full of Crows and Jackdaws. This one had a lot of white on it's wings, you can just see on the underneath of them.
We spotted this tiny fungus when a Robin perched on the wood flew off as we approached, the tiniest perfectly formed little mushrooms! You can just see two under the larger one, the larger one being not much bigger than the top part of my finger!
After warming up with tea and Bakewell tarts provided by the lovely volunteers we made a slow walk back to the car.
There is nothing quite as pleasant as a walk on a frosty morning. It is always invigorating. As for Bakewell Tarts, we were only ever in Bakewell once, and we bought from a bakery that claimed to have the original recipe. Whether they did or not, I have no way of knowing, but I can tell you that what we ate was nothing short of incredible. We still talk about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is! I must admit i've never tried a Bakewell Tart in actual Bakewell but they are the most delicious dessert!
DeleteWhat a lovely, seasonal walk, great to see the water rail and a kingfisher too. Tea and Bakewell tarts sound just the thing to warm you up again after your walk:)
ReplyDeleteI loved getting a glimpse of the Water Rail, such a rare thing!
DeleteBrr it looks cold, but the birds were out for you and I sure enjoyed all your photos! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sondra, it was certainly cold!
DeleteLovely photos - a treat to see the water rail and kingfisher too. Bakewell tarts sounds like a great way to end the walk!
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise :) Does anybody not like a Bakewell tart I wonder?!
DeleteLovely wintry frosty photos Pam. So pleased you saw so many birds and the bakewell tarts sound rather tasty :)
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
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