Christmas at Martin Mere

This visit was just before Christmas, it was extremely cold. I popped my head out for about 10 minutes to hopefully get some photos but unfortunately I suffered from camera shake because of the shivers and then my fingers went dead, at this point I gave up and went back inside to get warm with the help of a mug of soup!

I did just get as far as the Swan link hide and this cheeky chappie is now a regular there, as you will see he perches on the shelf waiting for some grain. He doesn't move readily even if his space is required!

It was about 2pm and the whooper swans were returning from the surrounding areas for their feed. The light was not good either and the photos were very disappointing.

It is hoped that about 20 electronic tracking devices will be fitted to Whooper swans before February, I think the count is up to 9 so far. Obviously each swan has to be caught, weighed and measured before the device is attached. Not all swans are suitable to carry this device, they have to be of a certain age and weight. Mainly males are used as they tend to be heavier than the females. An average adult female weighs 8 - 9 kgs and the male 10 - 12 kgs. The heaviest recorded male was 14 kg at Caelaverock and was called Stonker!

Once the device has been fitted and the swan has preened its feathers they are quite difficult to see. This swan was quite a distance away and I don't think I would have noticed it if I hadn't known what to look for.

During the afternoon we were entertained by the Southport ensemble. They were really very good especially as some of them were only knee high to a grass hopper, (or is that my age talking?!).

I just love this one, he had to cope with the hat as well as the fiddle!

Jenny's little helper

But you're sewing, I was only trying to help!!

OK then if you really don't want me to do any more I will lie here quietly and just watch.

A foggy Martin Mere

Anyone who knows me knows that I don't do 'cold' weather!! However last Saturday I did venture to Martin Mere to help for the North West bird festival for which I believe there were over 750 visitors that day. The weather didn't seem to put off the true bird watchers who came for the work shops, lectures and displays. Some even walked to the hides with binoculars and cameras but most came back from there slightly disappointed with the view!!

In the early afternoon I went to investigate for myself - well for Anya really - I just knew she would want an update for the swan link hide. I donned my insulated coat, hat, scarf, heated gloves and went off to brave the weather. There are still only about 1200 whooper swans in the area but not many of these could be seen today. I didn't hang around for the 3pm feed but carried on for a jog around the grounds.

Even the smaller lakes were surrounded in fog and good photos were out of the question - well that's my excuse.

The beaver lodge remains as ever a construction site!

Then one bright corner - I found these just outside the beaver lodge.

Then it was back to the office block and a mug of hot vegetable soup to warm the cockles of the heart (well it almost worked as well as a brandy) !!

The buckers

Heard about this boy on the radio the other day. I think he is amazingly brave, you can read about him on the following link -

http://www.justgiving.com/thebuckers

Autumn walk around Standish

What with weather, telephone and central heating problems lately I haven't had the heart, time or inclination to get out taking photos but yesterday I did make the effort and took my 4 legged friend with me around Standish.

We started off towards Ashfield Park, the paths here are lovely more so because of the absence of the dreaded road signs. It was lovely to aim the camera and not have to worry about a 'no entry' or 'men at work' sign! Although it was cold it was bright and it wasn't raining for a change.

As it was during the day there were no children around just other fellow dog walkers. To the right of this path are the football pitches for the local junior teams.

Then no sooner had I come out onto Wigan Lane I turned off down Lurdin Lane so peace again and no traffic.

But - out onto Chorley Rd and straight away into road works, not one workman around just plenty of holes in the road!

Aha is this one of the illusive workmen, no it appears not they have just been resurfacing another part of the road and they are packing up now.

Then on up Rectory Lane again more falling leaves but sadly the light is going and I still have at least another mile to go.

Under the railway bridge.

Looking to my left towards the golf course -

Past the Owls at Standish.

Onto the golf course and I suddenly find myself up to my knees in mud (Tom will know how that feels!) but it's too late to turn back so on we go.

The last tree on the golf course just near to the exit by Cranleigh. Home at last and time for a quick wash down for Poppy in the kitchen sink before her mother sees her!! Please remind me never to go across the golf course again except in the middle of a drought!

Autumn

Fly Agaric - and I didn't even have to go hunting for it, it was on the green at Newburgh when I returned to my favourite place for Autumn photos.

A bit too early - there weren't many leaves on the ground but Anya wanted to see it and this was the one free morning. The light wasn't good either perhaps I will be able to return in a few weeks time.

The last time I took this photo it was suggested that I try to get the cross to hide the gable end of the row of houses, well I think I managed that. It was also said that I should get the whole of the seat on the left in the picture, unfortunately immediately behind the seats is a litter bin so I had to be careful not to include that.

Our Lady and All Saints Parbold.

I thought this would be a lovely church to photograph but unfortunately on the day I arrive so do the workmen with their high visibility jackets and huge diggers!

Catholic Church of St Joseph Wrightington

South Lakes, part 2

Three people who didn't seem at all affected by the cold in fact they seemed to thrive on it.

Open wide - you are at the dentist

I have hopefully sneaked this tiny one in without it being noticed!

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

Last week I spent a lovely day at South Lakes Wild Animal Park with Anya and the boys. It was really cold and the light was not good for photographs but - here are the best of a bad bunch!

It must have been 'wash and blow dry' time for the giraffes.

The lemurs made the most of the few minutes of sunshine.

Yum yum!

P p p p p pick up a penguin

Aerobics for penguins

Gosh where did all these giants appear from?

Aha think we've found a way out

The lions and tigers had to climb a 6m pole to get to their food which sadly was a dead chicken skewered onto the pole by wardens climbing up a ladder - it took them 5 minutes to do that and the lions 5seconds to get the food down.

The light was in the wrong place (well that's my excuse) and it was impossible to get a photo without netting in the background.

These chaps were huddled together as if trying to keep the young warm. I wished I could have borrowed their coats for the day!