The dry, bright days are such a relief and a blessing. They've been few and far between this winter, so it's been important to make use of them. Thankfully I have many beautiful places I can easily walk, so one day I chose a longer circuit along the river and canal. There was lots to notice - some marcescent beech leaves added a touch of copper to the canalside.
I was delighted to spot a female kingfisher (identifiable by her red 'lipstick' beak; the males' beaks are all black). Usually you just see a blue flash whizzing past at speed but, surprisingly, this one was content to sit on a branch for ages, only occasionally flying off but then returning to more or less the same spot. This is the best photo I've managed of one in a while, given that I don't have a long telephoto lens.
Not far away, I was entranced by a flock of long-tailed tits. These are my absolute favourite bird. You rarely see just one; they like to forage in busy little groups, maybe half a dozen or so in a small area. About the size of a great tit, they are prettily coloured with pink, black and white plumage and a noticeably long tail. They really are sweet little floofballs.
My two favourite trees again: I just love their shape; I think they have beautiful winter skeletons.
I'm thrilled to see your birds, and the kingfisher looks a bit different than those I've seen. The two winter trees are sentinels, welcoming all who gaze upon them.
ReplyDeleteThat Kingfisher is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a Kingfisher, had to check if we have them at all here - it seems we do, but they are rare, and many go south for the winter.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures, plus I have learned a new word: marscesant!
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