The weather has been a bit cold, wet and windy, but we have had the odd sunny spell and when its happened Ive been out.
The Barn Owls have been shy at flying, I’ve been up at least three times a week but I’ve hardly seen them at all, just the odd flit between the Barns and a quick peak of their backsides as they do so ! However, it was good to note that there a two Barn Owls again, the young male from this years nest departed a couple of weeks ago, and I thought that was him gone to a new roost for good, but on the 19th December he came back, his mother didnt seem too upset and they were both flying between the barns at the old farm togethor.
A little bit further afield and the nature reserve was busy, the Water Rail was still about, pottering in the reeds alongside, Teal, Moorhen and a whole range of hybrid Mallards. The Grey Heron was about, sitting in the evening sun and enjoying the view for a good hour, seemingly unworried by the dog walkers passing by feet away. Then while watching the Long Tail Tits in the trees, a blue flash went by and the Kingfisher was back. The lone male Kingfisher spent over an hour flitting between the trees, diving into the beck and coming out with a minow which it duely bashed against a branch till it stopped wriggling and down in one it went.
The light was great but he was a long way off, and catching the action wasn’t easy , but I was happy with a few good shots.
Back at home and the pond is a little busier than in the past few weeks with a dozen Gooseanders, Teal and Mallards. The Grey Heron is still pottering about and the Cormorant visits once or twice a week. The garden is busy too, with all the usual suspects on the feeders and a whole mumeration of Starlings which seem intent on eating us out of house and home.
And finaly a trip to a friends wedding yielded the odd Peacock and Domestic Goose ! Not bad for a bad week weather wise in Cumbria, lets hope for a cold bright Christmas week .
