Such a quiet morning. The trees are barely moving. A chill mist hangs over the mere. Then somebody starts up a chainsaw....
That will be someone from the RSPB, who run this reserve, tidying up some fallen branches. They'll burn up the small twigs and ivy and stack the remaining wood to provide a home for insects - if you want to attract birds you'll need to have the insects that they feed on.
The mechanical racket soon ceases and all returns to quietness and stillness. I always find it tricky taking photos on days like this; colours are so subtle and the light so gentle and fleeting.
Soon we find one of our quieter birds, a Treecreeper. It's a small, unobtrusive little soul that's perfectly adapted for climbing up tree trunks and probing the cracks in the bark for tiny grubs and insects. It proceeds in a spiral up one tree, then flies down to the bottom of the next one and begins the process once more. They are not rare, just hard to notice.
Some of the areas of still water are frozen over, but the many natural springs here keep other parts ice-free.
Another hard-to-spot bird is making itself known in the reeds by emitting a series of pig-like squeals. It's a sound that can only be a Water Rail - or else a pig! In icy conditions the chances of seeing a Water Rail are greatly increased as they venture out from their usual haunts, deep in the reedbeds, in search of food.
Just then one runs across the path a little way in front of us before disappearing into the reeds once more.
The alder trees look wonderful at this time of year. Those are not leaves on the branches but thousands of tiny cones which provide winter food for flocks of Goldfinches and Siskins - and maybe a Redpoll or two.
Just as we're completing our circuit of the mere the chainsaw starts up once more. Time to head for home but not before meeting the reserve's latest celebrity....
This colourful cockerel has taken up residence in the car park and fondly imagines that every visitor has some food for him. If he develops enough road-sense to survive winter he'll make a good living around the picnic tables later in the year.
Take care.
It looks otherworldly!
ReplyDeleteVery atmospheric photographs. Lovely to look at, but chilly to experience. What a splendid cockerel.
ReplyDeleteThat's one handsome cockerect but
ReplyDeleteI love the muted palette of reeds and ethereal mists.
Surprised that RSPB burn any brash. Even the smallest twigs can hold butterfly eggs or tiny invertebrates.
Stunning photography! Thank you for sharing your walks with us. So peaceful and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe mist makes it all so "myst"erious! Lovely rooster.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteAll of the mist adds a good touch to things.
ReplyDeleteThe mystical aspect of mist...and then you walking and typing (later of course) a discourse about the birds we don't ever see...indeed I almost hear the chainsaw!
ReplyDeleteYes, ethereal, and very like impressionist paintings. I wonder if your Goldfinch and siskins look like ours?
ReplyDeleteThe Goldfinches are certainly very different. If you click on the links it'll take you to the RSPB page on each UK species.
DeleteMistical,mystical, magical, marvellous. Thank you. Muchly.
ReplyDeleteHi John - gorgeous photos - ethereal as Granny Sue says - looks cold though! Great that you're out and about letting us join you - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThe mist and fog are so mystic rendering a wonderful vibe to all your photos
ReplyDeleteWell done, John. Your photographs capture the essence of this kind of weather which has a charm of its own. Here too birders make a bee-line (bird-line?) for alders, and larches too with their seed-laden cones. Everyone should don scarf, cap and gloves and go for a walk. There's nothing better!
ReplyDeleteLos sonidos de la Naturaleza, son los que gusta escuchar. E ruido de la naturaleza es lo que rompe la armonÃa de los sonidos que hay en ella. afortunadamente no puedo escuchar sus sonidos pero apreciar las buenas vistas de tus fotografÃas con el misterio que la rodea, bajo el bello manto de la niebla.
ReplyDeleteThe colors on that cockerel really pop after the muted tones of the misty photos!
ReplyDeleteLove these misty shots and the cockerel! Hope he survives!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are magical: tone on tone except for the rooster. They were just want I needed to see this morning. Elaine
ReplyDeleteThe mist and fog make for such beautiful mystical photos. I love the views there. That cockerel really has quite a colorful presence.
ReplyDeleteYou have captured so much beauty in the mist, John.
ReplyDeleteStunning misty photos, beauty for the eyes. Thank you, John.
ReplyDeleteFunny that the Water Rail squeals like a pig. I would like to hear that! Beautiful misty photos.
ReplyDeleteIf you click on the link on "Water Rail", you'll find a picture of the bird AND a recording of its call.
DeleteIsn't he gorgeous and doesn't he know it?
ReplyDeleteHats off to you going out in that weather, I tend to hide away. Very atmospheric photos
ReplyDeleteMagnificent especially the rooster
ReplyDeleteThank you John. Wonderful photos. In the bush here in the town any fallen trees are just left to rot. Only ones that fall across a path are cut and pushed aside but still left to rot.
ReplyDeleteTricky you may find it, but you seem to have conquered the challenges. Lovely. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOnly an English winter could dish up such lovely landscapes - and you are so good to serve them to us from your camera John. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteHandsome cockerel, beautiful morning.
ReplyDeleteSo how did the cockerel fare this winter? Did you see him this time through?
ReplyDeleteHe's only recently appeared, perhaps someone has dumped him there or maybe he's found his own way there having escaped.
DeleteLove these misty pictures! Handsome cockerel, I hope he survives the winter.
ReplyDelete