Dumfries and Galloway part 2

 This was our last evening at Culzean Castle and what better way to spend it ,watching a beautiful sunset over the Isle of Arran and a wee dram to boot.

Next morning we were moving on to the Loch Ken area of Dumfries and Galloway taking the high rd we stopped at the wild goat park this one was close enough for a decent shot.

carrying on we stopped to watch two red deer stags away in the distance 

Next stop was Clatteringshaws loch for a cuppa and to watch an abundance of Siskins they are everywhere (great little birds)

and finally you can't visit Loch Ken area without coming across these birds we had two flying around the site

That all folks thanks for looking 

stay safe 

Joe.

Dumfries and Galloway part 1

Having had to cancel this trip last year because of the covid pandemic and being unable to travel over borders etc. This year we had no problems in that department and bonus weather to boot.Arriving at the Mull of Galloway with quite a stiff breeze blowing for our walk around we soon connected with the Rock Pipits.

Then shortly after this rather stunning male Wheatear came into view.

By this time it was starting to get a little crowded and time to retreat.

Next day was another early start to Port Patrick to beat the crowds ,the harbour was quite full of yachts but more noticeable not many Black Guillemots we only saw two pairs the whole time we spent there compared to six or even eight pairs on previous visits.

Always nice to see (hope the numbers pick up ).

Finally back at the site that evening a nice brown hair came visiting.

Thanks for looking 

take care

Joe.

Seeing Red

 Having had the offer of spending a morning on  the moors high above the Derwent reservoir with my youngest son on a cold but sunny morning how could I refuse,the cock birds were quite easy to see although quite skittish.

when it came to the hens they blended in with the heather very well and were at times almost impossible to spot

 

But this guy stole the show

and reminded me I need another bottle !!

a very nice morning.

Thanks for looking

stay safe

Joe

Weekend winds.

 Having spent the weekend firmly indoors because of the Baltic conditions outside and doing my birding through the double glazing ,on the Saturday as I was thinking about lunch I heard the unmistakable sound of Buzzards calling just above the house looking out two buzzards were having a right set to but I managed a couple of belly shots before they disappeared into the sun.

Then on Monday as things had calmed down and was looking like a nice day I tramped down the pond (with wellies ) the pond was still frozen over and all the wildfowl was over the far side so I moved on to the flash which was also frozen ,a solitary Redshank and surprisingly the Turnstone had returned

 ( not often seen on Holywell ).

Retracing my steps a look in the hide produced this rather nice Little/Egret I think it was just testing the water temp ?

Passing the feeding station I cannot refuse a shot of these brilliant little birds.

Thanks for looking

STAY SAFE (things might be looking up?)

Joe.

Pond and beyond.

 I have spent a couple of days this week when weather permitted! looking for the SEOs  I did catch site of one  earlier in the week it was at distance with this being my best shot.

later that day I got a second chance with a quick fly bye.

Then on Wednesday I tried again along with two more folk but to no avail although this little guy gave us a bit of interest scrambling around and keeping an eye on us.

But by this time I was loosing the will to live in the cold so decided to call it a day and leave the other two guys to it.

Returning on Friday wasn't any better with another no show however all was not lost as I managed to get quite a nice shot of this Kestrel

and a nice to see Stonechat (rubbish shot ).

Thanks for looking

STAY SAFE

Joe.

 

Rape- field surprise

 Escaping the lock-down for a much needed walk I took the well trodden path around the pond ( with wellies of course ) ,the pond was very quiet probably because of the shooting in the morning ,moving on to the flash where the little egret was showing well (o for better weather ).

It was early afternoon but I thought I might have a look for the SEO that had been seen in the area 

of the so called dairy house fields,trudging thru mud and hoof tracks I managed to spot it in the rape field hunkered down.

heavy crop from miles away.

Then this morning (Friday ) as I was doing the blog I noticed this Buzzard land in one of  the trees in the dene ( in the rain of course ).

Thanks for looking

STAY SAFE

JOE.

Pond walk.

 My morning exercise walk around the pond and the now full east flash was a little better than the norm although the paths were frozen it made for much easier walking,my first encounter was this Buzzard hiding in the branches 

                  He then saw me and flew off landing in the line of trees between the pond and flash

I think it had been giving the field-fares and redwings feeding in the field along side the sheep

the evil eye ?

Nothing of note on the pond or the flash for that matter other than the two Redshank that have been hanging around for a while but I did get a little closer to this bird on the way home.

I had only just got my coat etc off when I saw this bird through the dining room window

Not a bad mornings exercise .

Thanks for looking

STAY SAFE

 Joe.

 

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