Ducking & Diving

With  various visits to Wetland areas this winter,

there's been lots of activity

 from the various species of  ducks & geese that congregate.

From the ducking & bowing of their heads to preen their feathers . . . .

To finding that next feed,

combined with some diving into the water

for other delights to wet their apetite.

 Plenty of the Ducking & Diving . . .

But there's even some ESCAPING!

So Encouraging

The day started off with a very damp cloudy day,

but as the time progressed,

the skies turned lovely & blue.

Pottering in the garden to discover these Crocuses now fully in flower.

So encouraging, as there doesn't seem an end to the winter season.

Don't wish my time away,

but starting to miss a bit of colour in the nature calendar.

Winter @ Slimbridge

More sences from Slimbridge,

but much to our surprise,

the Wetland Centre is undergoing some major changes. 

 Mechanical equipment occupied some of the area rather than birds,

changing the landscape of the lagoons close to the main building.

Much of the plant life had been cut back,

no doubt in readiness for another growing season

But with this reinvention of the area,

other views were evident,

 giving the landscape a new prospective at the present.

Despite all the changes taking place,

 it was still an enjoyable day out.

The last view I captured,

 was of the bronze bust of  the late,  Sir Peter Scott,

 founder of the Wetland Centre in 1946,

with a Gull resting on his head.

As he had worked hard to establish this centre for birds & wildfowl,

it's quite appropriate.

In a Flap

Flamingo's at Slimbridge

Elegance

Such a stunning bird, the Demoiselle Crane.

A very elegant bird in every way

Their home at Slimbridge, Gloucester.

Visited there yesterday on a very cold but calm day.

A very relaxed day.

~   ~   ~   Photo shoot over now   ~   ~   ~

Resting!

Happy Valentines Day

~   ~   ~   Enjoy Your Day   ~   ~   ~

The Unexpected!

   What a Thursday! 

Unusally, overslept for work,

could have even slept on!

But despite all this,

made it, eventhough a slight rush.

Well overstaffed today,

so I was able to have some time off.

'A very welcoming break'

Eventually, headed for  Exmoor, Somerset.

Especially wanted to visit Snowdrop Valley.

Drove to Weddon Cross, then caught a minibus down into the valley.

Unable to drive to the desired location, as the  road is closed for this occasion.

 I can fully understand why after the bus ride,

as the roads going steeply into the valley were very narrow & well laden with ice,

temperatures of late have plummented yet again.

But the walk & sight of all the Snowdrops were a very beautiful sight.

So lovely to see them growing in such a wonderful natural woodland setting.

The minibus is available until the end of February, although if plenty of time,

 then a walk to the destination is also a welcoming pleasure

So tempting to go again.

An afternoon, well worth the effort. . . .

In The Park

Further to my recent walk in Vivary Park,

one of the impressive structures to be view is the Bandstand,

exceptional with its intricate ironwork.

As you stroll around the park,

you pass the pond with elaborate statues adorning the central column.

Even the birds are catered for,

 with a very large oversized birdhouse.

As you  enter & leave the park, a huge war memorial stands solid,

 respectfully, poppy wreaths are still in place from last November.

A cricket ground is situated at one end of the park.

Alongside the park, there is also a golf course,

& this weathervane is appropriately overlooking the bowling green

~   ~   ~   ~

The total atmosphere was very tranquil.

It was good to take your time to stroll at a leisurely pace.

Wildlife in the Park

Yesterday afternoon, after I had finished work for the week,

I decided to get some fresh air before heading home.

We have so much in our local area,

 that we often take it for granted & don't even appreciate what is there to see.

After a walk through the town centre

& towards the top of the High Street,

 I choose to walk around one of the towns oldest & largest parks, Vivary Park. 

A couple of Squirrels caught my attention as I walked.

The one I was able to photograph stood motionless at first,

as he had sensed my prescence,

then he proceeded to bury his food he had started eating,

before darting through the grass & up the nearest tree,

but leaving his scent trails behind to enable him to find his food at a later date.

Further on, by the stream that flowed alongside the park,

there was alot of movement & commotion

coming from the Goose that was busy flapping his wings.

Also plenty of Mallard Ducks to be seen,

Just love the photo of the female duck above preening her feathers.

The park is a favourite haunt to see children feeding the ducks,

 today a pair of Mute Swans were positioned well in front,

 aiming to get as much as they can.

An afternoon well spent. . . .  .

Shades of Colour

A range of brilliant muted shades emerge,

 as I've proceeded to  put these photos together as a collection.

All taken around mid afternoon as the sun was starting to go down.

while out walking during the Winter.

All of the photos came from two walks,

 one at Shapwick Heath, Somerset,

wetlands for birds wildfowl, &

 even a home to otters,

 although not lucky enough to see them yet.

The other walk was while at a recent visit to London's Wetland Centre, Barnes.

A very cold icy day,

 although I think some of the photos do reflected this,
The photos below, are looking out over the main lake at the centre,

 with one of the bird hides in the background,

with views looking towards central London.