Morning at Gosforth.

 I think I would be right in saying that its been a very quiet winter on the park compared to previous years so we were a bit unsure what to expect as we entered the reserve. We got off to good start with two Roe-Bucks in the field off to our left,

This was shortly followed by unmistakable song that would gladden anyone's heart coming from the branches above.

We listened for a while before moving on to the hide which really was quiet apart from a couple of pairs of Canada gees honking on,where were the Cormorants that that used to roost opposite the hide or indeed the Little Egrets that also roosted here no sign of a Kingfisher one hasn't been seen for weeks,their was however half a doz Teal hard up against the reeds with this one looking rather splendid as it made its way to join the rest. 

You can always rely on one or two of these little guys tho.

As we pondered why things should be so quiet is it because we have missed the action being unable to get on the reserve at dawn like we used to pre Covid. Watching the morning unfold was the best part of coming to Gosforth Park  sadly this has come to an end with the new opening times which in our minds brings into question our future membership !!

However on a lighter note as we were leaving we caught site of these ladies making there way to the field to graze.

Thanks for looking

SAY SAFE

Joe

 

 

Down the Dene.

 As the members hide is having work done at present ,a trip down the dene seemed more appropriate,  I don't do that often as it means a trek up a rather long incline which does not go down at all well with my COPD however all was worth it as I came across one of the Dippers posing on its usual stone .

 

Walking further along I came across a couple who asked me if I had come across the Owl this morning as it wasn't in its usual tree hole I answered no and said I didn't know which tree they meant turning around they pointed to a tree partly covered in Ivy with an old branch hole in it.

We parted company and I walked further on scanning the the so called owl tree to no avail I was just about to give up when something caught my eye a couple of trees further down sure enough there in the fork was this roosting Tawny Owl

It was all worth the pain in the end and a bonus Bullfinch to boot.

Thanks for looking

Stay safe (its on the rise again )

Joe.

 

Down the pond.

 A trip down the pond in between the shooting and proposed revamp of the bird hide and viewing screen due to start on Monday the 14th march made for a nice couple of hours.First up was a pair of Great Crested Grebe's which spent most of there time asleep before moving further away into the reeds

Nice to see them back again

This lad was showing off to his partner

This male Shoveler seemed oblivious to my presence and just carried on feeding.

The stars of the show for me has to be these little Long tail Tits which never disappoint

I have a real soft spot for these guys and are one of my top birds.

Thanks for looking

Stay safe

Joe.

NOTE members hide may be out of action for a while !.