The Three Best

The forecast had been good for today, typical, this is what happens when I'm left with no car. Well on waking up I thought yea its dull, and now I don't feel quite as guilty for playing about on the computer so much. Then at 11am the sun started to shine, dam, what to do, I don't like wasting the sun, so on went the boots, another two or three layers, the camera and the bins, and off we go, the westies giving me black looks as I close the door and leave.
     By the time I get to the patch (Thacka beck reserve) I've got a sweat on, in spite of the fact that there is a freezing wind blowing. A quick scan of the area tells me the only thing I'm going to get out of this outing, is exercise and cold. The first thing I see that's  wearing feathers. are two Moorhens. Now if you don't see these, or Mallard and Gulls on the reserve there is something drastically wrong. Believe it or not the only other birds I saw apart from the afore mentioned, was two Chaffinch, and a Crow. While I'd been  getting exited about all my finds, it hadn't go unnoticed that the sky had gradually gone black, and the next thing I'm struggling to get my camera under my jacket, and bins back in pocket, as the rain lashed down. Whoever was playing this little game with Gordon, had won,,  as I scurried for home, I said to my self, one of these days we might get a good sighting again.
    So with nothing to show for my wet outing, I have decided to share with you the best three birds we have seen on the reserve.

Little-ringed Plover

Soon after the reserve was opened, it looked very different than it does
 today. Water levels where much lower, there was shingle areas, which attracted this Plover and at the same time Ringed Plover.

Wood Sandpiper.

A couple of months later this Wood sandpiper Turned up, so now we are binning to think this reserve is going to be great. Then the rot set in and the area became popular with casual walkers, and a place to exercise dogs.

Short-eared Owl

Last but not least, a full year after the previous two birds, this little beauty turned up staying for a few days. In my opinion this bird is by far the best species we have had on the reserve, and just as a mater of interest, the Flood/Flash what ever people call it, and is totally natural, as opposed to the reserve which is purpose built, has attracted far more than the reserve has ever done.

Short-eared Owl.

We live in hope.        Linking to Stewarts Wild bird Wednesday.http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.co.uk/