Whooper swans and friends

The demoiselle crane. I always think these remind me of a grandad, to me they look as though they have long white hair! I know the little men in white coats are waiting at the door to take me away!!

A mandarin duck looking rather bored in the juvenile pen.

A wood duck admiring himself as any man would !

3pm at the swan hide again. Too late to get any landings today but the light wasn't very good anyway.

This one is a bit skew-whiff i know, sorry, but can you spot the interloper in the foreground?!

Sadly the light was fast fading when we arrived with the long tailed duck / old squaw (not sure I like either of these names, I am sure he deserves better than that!) As you will see he soon became bored with us and fell asleep. Ah well time to go home!

Wigan Galleries along with 2 favourites

Went to the Wigan Photographic society meeting last night - it was very interesting and everyone was extremely friendly but I don't think I will ever be up to their standard!

Anyway I thought I had better get some practice so off I went to take some photos in Wigan. Firstly the town seemed to be deserted and then I was stopped in the galleries - owners do not like their shop fronts being photographed!! Children and babies fine but shops a definite no-no! Am I missing the point here?

Oops don't tell Matalan about this one!

Jess with paw at the ready!

Sheeba as you have never seen her before, well parts of her anyway.

A rainy day in Southport.

We thought we would have a ride to Southport, mooch around the shops and take a few photos but hadn't bargained for this lovely wet weather!

This was Lord St about 2.45pm quite deserted as you will see.

The Prince of Wales Hotel at the far end of Lord St. As you will see the buses are blue here.

The Wayfarers Arcade - I did think that I would at least be able to get a good photo in here but alas the entire inside of the arcade is taken over by workmen, the cafe was deserted and even Red Rum was in hiding! Time to head for home!

Christmas decorations up early for 2008.

Lord St again.

Christ Chuch in Lord St.

Lord St in the dark!

Some of my favourites.

The white-faced whistling duck lives in the crowned crane pen. Since the 'crowned crane with attitude' has been moved these seem to be more noticeable and are quite photogenic - although if you look back to entry 02/08/07 you will see that they are not as innocent as look!!

This is the Coscoroba swan, it seemed very tired and more interested in having a nap than posing for the camera.

Schools out!!

This is the family of Trumpeter swans, unfortunately now there is only the mother and 3 cygnets remaining.

The Chilean flamingo is an all-time favourite.

Magpie goose - reckoned to be rather ugly but I have a soft spot for these, they always seem to have that 'hang-dog' look.

Robin / Erithacus Rubecula, Martin Mere

As you know I have been trying to get a decent photo of a robin ever since I bought my camera, well at last I think I am half way there!!

Whooper swans at Martin Mere - New Years Day 2008

Whole families gather ready for the 3 o'clock feed.

It can get a bit boring so some like to practice yoga whilst they wait!

Coming into landing - I found it very difficult to catch the landing sequence, it's more good luck than good management. This was my best series but it was a very dull day although not quite as cold as last time we tried to do this!

Grubs up!!!!

Even a hint of a sunset here just for you Anya!

And last but not least - 2 of my favourite shots.