Snowy Garden Birds

North East Wales has been hit by deluges of snow over the last two days, it took me nearly 4 hours this morning to dig my way out of the Cottage and get my car up to the road, the snow on the track which is well over 100 yards long was 2 ft deep in places...

But yesterday morning I spent a couple of hours early on watching the birds visiting my feeding station in the garden, and it really made me realise just how they rely on our garden feeders for that little bit extra in the extreme weather.... nearly said winter weather, but it is supposed to be SPRING!!

Anyway on with some pics that I took, all were taken through the kitchen window!

Last of the Whoopers.... maybe!

I had the chance today to nip to Martin Mere for a couple of hours, I was pleased as this may be the last chance I get to see the Whooper Swans before they fly back to Iceland in the very near future. As I have eluded to in previous posts they really are magnificent birds, I have been to Martin Mere so many times over the years to see them, but they fascinate me every time I see them, and never tire of sitting watching them up close and from afar. A few more shots below from todays visit.









Grrr its Monday again in the morning and the start of the week, soon been Friday hopefully when we are back out walking again.... have a great week my friends!

Whooper Swans

One of my favourite places to visit is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve at Martin Mere, and especially during the Winter and early spring to see the Whooper Swans. As I have previously mentioned these magnificent birds travel down from Iceland to over winter in the UK, with many stopping at Martin Mere, in fact some birds are known to have been returning to Martin Mere for at least 15 years. They are real great birds and I never tire of seeing them, and the great thing about Martin Mere is that the trust feed the swans twice a day, so close up views are guaranteed.

















A few more images of the other Wildfowl seen

Shelduck





Pintail



Mallard




Greylag



Canada Goose



Wigeon



Eider

Woody and the LTT's

Only a quick 20 minute session this morning watching the feeders in the garden, but was very productive, in gloomy light, these were all shot at ISO 2000. Was great to see so many Long Tailed Tits, and one of my favourites, Great Spotted Woodpecker

Willow or Marsh Tit

Many years ago I created a bird feeding station on the edge of the Shopping Centre I manage, as the Centre borders open countryside we have had all sorts visit it over the years, and it is an ideal escape when the stresses of the office become to much, or to take your lunch out and sit and watch.
In awful light this morning, grabbed the camera for a quick look at what was about, nice to see it so busy with lots of Tits, Robins, Dunnock, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird all the usual species I would expect to see. Whilst snapping away, a Tit came down to the feeders, and it was that age old dilemma, Willow or Marsh Tit. Now I am hedging my bets on a Willow Tit, but see what you think??











And a snap of the resident Robin, and nice to see the Long Tailed Tits







And this is our feeding area