Freezing Sunshine at Lodmoor

The sunny conditions at Lodmoor Reserve the other morning certainly did lull one into a false sense of well being. It was extremely cold and probably the coldest I have experienced there for some time. 

The Black-headed Gull below was standing on ice just under the water's surface.

At another location I observed a small group of Common Snipe moving through a reed bed area. 

The very low sun condition made for unusual images. It highlighted this Blackbird quite nicely.

Amongst other reeds I could see a Chiffchaff moving rapidly about and catching insects of some kind. 

I think he has caught some kind of Bush Cricket below.

Other images captured around the Reserve.

Moorhen

Robin

Dunnock

This Grey Heron was sheltering from the cold wind and catching the relative meagre warmth from the low sun.

Little Egrets were moving about the Reserve quite a lot and for once, not chasing each other away.

Togetherness.

I walked around a small Nature Reserve on the Northern edge of town. I found these two Collared Doves tucked away in a dense tree. I have seen them over the last year in the Reserve. So I assume they have taken up permanent residence. They appeared to be well protected from the cold wind conditions we are now experiencing. So as it is Christmas I have featured them in a Post.

This Robin posed quite nicely for a photograph.

The Long-tailed Tit wasn't quite so helpful and was high up in another tree.

The field to the North of the Reserve was underwater in many areas due to the considerable rainfall we have had recently.

This Chiffchaff was also difficult to get a clear shot as it moved about the undergrowth.

 

The Blue Tit and Great Tit emerged from the undergrowth in the same location. There is a water course underneath the bushes in that location where many birds go down to bathe or drink.

Merry Christmas 2025

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all that read my Blog.

 

Another Double Post - Lodmoor and Local Area Walk

 With the atrocious weather we have been and are still experiencing, it is difficult to visit some areas especially Nature Reserves adjacent to water. Equally much more water exists on my local walks as well. The rivers are well above normal levels currently. So finding wildlife is especially difficult at present.

On a rare part day of some sunshine this Goldcrest made it difficult as usual to track him with the camera.

This Wren below posed momentarily on a slippery boardwalk.

It is good to feed birds if you can, especially at this time of year.

Rivers overflow into fields.

Well at least the Mute Swans can venture into new pastures/waters.

Early in the morning this was the scene at Lodmoor Reserve.

The Golden Plover flock has increased considerably now.

A rare event for me in my area. (A Redwing.) Although this was a poor shot that needed post production.

I am at last seeing a few more Robins about.

This Grey Heron was given me the eye.

This is a great spot for observing the Kingfisher.