My last post was from Inch Wildfowl Reserve in Co Donegal, where I stopped to photograph the Whooper Swans that were wintering in the nearby fields and were the main reason for my visit. While I was there however, I took a walk along a couple of the paths through the reserve, and there was plenty to see and photograph in the Spring weather.
It is normally frowned upon to creep through the woods with a telephoto lens taking photos of lovebirds sharing a tender moment, but I’m pretty sure its ok if the lovebirds are wood pigeons.
A goldfinch – one of our most colourful small birds.
Another colourful species – the blue tit.
Wrens are less colourful, and as shy and fast-moving birds they can be difficult to photograph as you can tell from my blurred attempt!
Primroses – one of the first signs of Spring.
Housing provided for some of the residents.
Aquatic plants in the sluggish waterway alongside the path.
A singing chaffinch.
Ivy on a fallen tree trunk.
Reedmace, commonly known as a bulrush.
I know these are male cones, but I wouldn’t be sure of the species – if I had to pick, I’d say European Larch.
Young female cones on the same tree.
Gorse or “whin bushes”.
Colourful fungi on the woodland floor.
A fearless robin.
This chaffinch seemed saddened by my existence.
A last shot looking up through the birches.
Gorgeous shots…thanks for talking us on your walk 🙂
Cheers Clare. I keep going back hoping to see an otter I saw there once, but didn’t get a shot of – no luck yet, but always something to see anyway 🙂
Keep trying…I know they’ll be great shots when you get them…otters on my list too…Everyone seems to see them around here except me!
Love these photos and the vibrant colours, Aidy. Such sharpness too (think it helps that I’m viewing on my tablet rather than phone). The first one with the wood pigeons is really special, wonderful expressions.
Thanks Martin. There was something very human about the pigeons cosying up like that 🙂 Some day I’ll get a sharp shot of a wren too maybe!