BIRD NEWS:613

 

It appears that there is a new nesting box on the swillage lane pond. I assume it's for mallards, coots, or moorhen - as Goggles is the only farm goose I ever see on the pond. Maybe whoever owns the pond/Goggles has decided to buy a companion for him, though...it is possible.

Goggles did swim up to me on the return trip...and there was no grumpy hissing or honking - just curiosity.

Goggles was around on my next hike - but prefered to hang with mallards than people on this trip.

In fact, he was most disinterested in us as we walked past.

I took a look out from the kitchen window along the path up the back yard and spotted a friend in the tree at the end of the garden.

For those who cannot see what the grey blob is - here is a clear shot - it's Pidge!

My next shot is dramatically different and brand new. It is the first time I have gotten up close to a dalmation pelican. The new exhibit at WWT Arundel has opened!

BIRD NEWS:612

 

Liz and I set off on our latest ramble the final Saturday of March. After encountering the local hill, crossing the highway, and trekking thru a village, we arrived at the coast and walked along.

On our return from a local town where we stopped for coffee and toilets, we popped in to Mewsbrook Park. On our last trip, there were a couple of pairs of mute swans - but on this trip we only spotted the one couple - and the nesting one was absent.

They were near the path, so I estimated that I could get some good shots on my garbage camera - which only takes decent pictures of the up close subjects.

We decided that the above was the female and the below the male of this duo.

The very next day, I was off on a short solo hike into the woodland. This means I passed Goggles pond and Goggles.

Goggles watched me...but ignored me on this occasion. I walked along a bit and found some peacocks in view - sited within the grounds of a posh house.

I had seen them before, but not had a camera - or not seen them when I did....but this time I saw them and had a camera.

I actually surprised myself by getting a good shot on zoom on the dud camera.

I headed home - and this time, Goggles showed an interest in me, swimming over as if to say 'I know you....but I dont like you as you dont feed me....'

Let's talk swans - HERE.