Whooper swans at Martin Mere

There was more life on the mere today but it was still extremely cold so I did not linger long! Last week's count revealed - 1600 Whooper swans, 19 Bewick swans, 1200 Teal,1100 Shelduck and 1400 Lapwing.

The shrubs around the mere look very windswept, I can't wait for the spring to arrive.

It was almost feeding time and they were flying in from all directions. One day the light will be in my favour and I will get a good shot!! (and all the swans will be back in Iceland!!!!!!!)

And last but not least - sleeping partners.

Raynaud's syndrome

I find that many people don't understand Raynaud's and how it can affect your life so here are a few photos. The first one is showing 2 dead fingers which happened immediately after taking a bottle of milk from the fridge. It is caused by a vasospastic attack, the blood vessels constrict and cut off the blood supply to the extremities. Metal taps, door handles, cutlery to name but a few all have the same effect. Even getting out of a warm bed and walking to the shower (with central heating at full blast) has the same effect. They are obviously worse after being outside but I'm sorry I am unable to take a photo when I have 2 hands completely dead!

This one was taken as the fingers are coming back to life, they change colour to blue, black and then finally return to red/pink. During this time you feel the pain and pins and needles.

I have tried hand warmers and all types of gloves but it still occurs - I can't wear gloves and carry wheat bags with me all day long, I do have to answer the call of nature and put my hands in water at some point! I have just been reading about Pycnogenal - the wonder drug and am thinking of giving it a try. Whilst doing the homework for this tablet I have also learnt that Raynaud's and hypothyroidism seem to go hand in hand (no surprise there then!!) and that people who have these tend to have a shortage of omega 3 so that's another pill I need.

Come back verapamil (a calcium antagonist) all is forgiven! I was taking this tablet for years and it worked wonders for Raynaud's but I had to discontinue it a few years ago.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Moorhens and kick boxing!

There was an exhibition of model railways and boats at Martin Mere today but I left the boys with their toys and ventured out and about before the sun disappeared. My first stop was the Swan Link Hide but the mere was rather quiet. It was too early for the Whooper swans, they usually start returning about 2 ish but then I noticed these 2 Moorhens practicing kick boxing. They kept boxing so I kept clicking, I know they aren't brilliant photos but I like them!

Then I walked along to the Gladstone Hide and got a totally different view of the Mere. Must try that again with other lens, may be good for the Whoopers landing but don't tell Anya!

The Chilean Flamingos were having their afternoon nap. I can sleep sitting up but standing on one leg - now that is a different matter!

And finally I made for the warmth of the main building to thaw out.

A frosty walk

These were actually taken on a very frosty day in December but unlike now we then had the sun which helped to make it a lot more bearable!

This is the remnants of the A5209 before the M6 was built.

Wrightington fish pond.

Bottom of our garden perhaps!!

Well at least the dogs enjoyed the walk - they had to keep running to keep their feet warm.

Crosby Garrett, Cumbria

Remind me next time we go to Crosby Garrett to check the weather forecast well in advance. Last year we had to fight our way through floods this time it was frost. It was so cold I could only get out of the car for a few minutes at a time to take photos.

I always think this is a lovely view on the M6, shame we can never stop to take a proper photo without the windscreen in the way.

We left the M6 at Tebay and then we were on the minor roads with lovely views to either side. The sun was trying to come out by now but it was still -5 on the car temp gauge.

These sheep at least had some unfrozen grass to eat as the sun had reached their field.

But these were less fortunate they seemed to be huddled in a circle in the centre of the field, it looked as though the only unfrozen grass was where they had been standing!

Then it was on across the moors, you really don't want to break down here.

Crosby Garrett at last with St Andrews Church sitting on top of the hill.

It is a beautiful Church but very hard to photograph. In the summer it is hidden by the trees and in the winter it looks so bleak. It was too cold to walk up the hill to the Church but I must go back in the summer months and try again.

And last but definitely not least this is Jean who gave us a lovely warm welcome, (I am sure she will never forgive me for putting this photo on here but - - - I have broad shoulders!). She is due to have a hip replacement very soon so we all wish her a speedy recovery.

A very frosty Martin Mere

It was very frosty the last time I worked at MM so couldn't go out much and certainly didn't go near the hides! The flamingos had enough sense to stay inside, just as well given that most of their lake was under ice. Their legs are extremely delicate so it's wouldn't do for them to go ice skating

There are now 2 pairs of Crowned Crane and at least one of them likes cameras!

The Mallards seemed to be the only ones enjoying the ice.

I can see you!!

"Wished I'd put me boots on George"

The stepping stones were deserted, wonder why??

Good weather for frostbite!

Over the Christmas holidays Sarah has kindly shown me the walk that she does with Poppy, it takes about an hour and is not for the faint hearted! The first couple of days I dressed up warm with neoprene gloves, insulated coat etc etc etc - I must have looked like the michelin man! It was frosty but the sun did come out during the middle of the day. After the first mile I was quite warm and enjoying the fresh air.

Poppy met some new friends, Sheeba wasn't that interested and preferred to go off on her own.

Please can we have some more polo mints!!?

You can still see the frost on the back of the field where the sun hadn't reached.

Then one morning we went for a short walk to get the papers and this is what met us . . . .

. . . .thick freezing fog. I managed to take these 3 photos (with 2 pairs of gloves on) but by then I had lost the plot! I couldn't even hold the dog lead and had to dash for the warmth of home and a bowl of hot water for my hands. Now I know why I have never been skiing or mountain climbing! I also know how painful frostbite is, my fingers are still a bit discoloured at times but hopefully they will return to normal soon.

- - - Happy New Year to all - - -