CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

That time of the year has arrived again, unfortuneatly no snow yet so this one is from stock.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.

Memory of a robin

The sun shone earlier so a trip down to the Wetlands was in order. After a spot of lunch I left Jacque with a book in the warmth of the centre and I took a stroll round the lake. After a few minutes I noticed a robin quite close. I took the opportunity of a photograph. Walking on a bit further I turned and noticed it was right behind me. It was then that I saw he was watching me. Walking a little further I realised I was being followed. I thought for a moment and threw it a couple of mealworms that I just happen to have in my pocket it was then that I remembered this happened a couple of weeks ago and this must be the same robin and that I had been recognised. Unfortunately a couple of noisey kids burst onto the scene and frightened him away. I will go prepared with mealworms in my pocket on future trips.

Comming alive again

Most of this year has been devoid of garden wildlife. Hedgehogs were driven off after several were killed by a neighbour, foxes by local building works and the birds ?????
Yesterday it all changed with an invasion of birds. The blue tit which hadn't been seen for several months appeared on the feeders.

The blackbird was after the berries on the tree we planted a couple of years ago. He brought along a couple of friends.

The first coal tit of the year joined in and fed very well.

And the robin came to see what was going on. First time since last Christmas. I am at a puzzle as to what is going on. Now I must get to work on the animals and get that badger calling again. I have noticed that the RSPB at Pulborough have stopped feeding the birds again. I wonder what the pathetic excuse is this time.

Bewicks bath time

 I have said before that my advancing years became a huge handicap for my photography. Most of my photographs are taken from or very near to my car. I now visit the WWT Arundel where I can enjoy a coffee with my camera in the warmth of  the centre. Some of the birds have their wing clipped but many are visiters and are free to come and go as they wish. I am looking forward to the winter migrants to visit.

 In the meantime I content myself with photographing the Bewicks. I have done this before with wild ones many years ago but never got pictures like these.

Bath time over, now it can  show just what a beautiful bird this is. I was a huge fan of Sir Peter Scott many years ago and Iam a great admirer of his work. He offered me a job over 60 years ago but declined as it was too far for me travel. Looking back I wish I had accepted it.

Bewick swan

 A visit to the Wetlands earlier was not very fruitful, no small wild birds which are usually in abundance. So I had to be satisfied with the imports. The bewick swan is a favourite of mine and the pair at the wetlands love the camera.

 I have photographed them in the wild but never this close. They migrate and spend the winter just a few miles away but to get this opportunity for portraits is too good to miss.

This bird was less than 2 metres away and posed for me quite gladly.