Woburn Deer Park

A lovely start to the day yesterday, light frost and sunshine, so I headed over to Woburn Deer Park.

The deer seemed to have finished their rutting, just a few odd bellows in the crisp morning air, but no fighting.

As I got to the edge of the park, a lone male was ambling towards me down the path.

He didn't seem bothered by my presence, but I gave him plenty of distance, and kept close to the entrance kiosk, just in case. He munched on a few fallen leaves for a while,

which gave me a few picture opportunities.

Close by is a stretch of water with a few Mallards and Coots. Today though, they were all joined by a group of Egyptian Geese, that have raised quite a few youngsters.

Eventually the big stag finished his snack,

and began a slow walk into the sunrise, to join the rest of the deer in the park.

Lots of Jackdaws coming and going overhead, calling loudly as they went. A few Jays, searching for acorns no doubt, and some big flocks of Fieldfare and Redwings, flying from the slowly warming sun, to the west.

I made my way along the footpath through the park, keeping an ever watchful eye for any deer that may have been close. Not so much to get pictures, but to give them plenty of room between me and them, so as they didn't see me as a threat. You have to respect these animals when you visit their territory.

A few large mushrooms growing in a group caught my eye.

One of the 'milk cap' fungi someone suggested; but I'm not sure which.

As I neared the end of the path, there were a few groups of deer, content to just enjoy the sun, and below occasionally. A large pond is close by, with a few ducks swimming around. Wigeon and Tufted Duck were in good numbers, along with the many Coots and Mallards.

As I thought about heading back, a Black Squirrel was running about with some chestnuts. An animal I've not managed to photograph very often because they seem more cautious than the grey's. He eventually stopped to eat his breakfast at the base of a tree, so I managed to get a couple of shots before we both decided to leave, and continue on our way.

A cold morning, but an enjoyable one.

A trip out

Had a great day out with Trevor yesterday; starting at a very foggy Woburn, to see the deer and the rut.

Fallow Deer

Trying to get pictures in these conditions, and still keep a safe distance kept us on our toes, if nothing else. The only picture I've done so far, but I did put together a short video, to try and capture the atmosphere of the place.








From there we went on to Stockgrove Country Park. It has a new name these days :  Rushmere; but it will always be Stockgrove to me. A popular place for picnics, dog walkers, and birds. Due to the weather though, it was a bit light on all three.

The main reason for going though was to see the Mandarin Ducks that usually turn up here on the lake. Another photographer friend had mentioned there were some there at the moment. The most I've seen in the past is about thirty, but yesterday we were in for a treat!

At least fifty, if not more. Most were congregating on the island on the small lake, but there were still plenty swimming around, and generally looking stunning.

Again, a short video of these outrageously beautiful ducks.

Despite the weather, we had a great day.

Enjoy your day too

Some oldies

From the last few months. A selection that were gathering dust.

Chiffchaff

Great Crested Grebe

Silver-washed Fritillary

A more recent one; stag

Back to an older one; August, Grasshopper

Blackcap, female

A very tatty looking White Admiral

and I'll finish with a couple of more recent ones.

From my local lake Caldecotte, a couple of days ago; Grey Wagtail

and from a trip out with Trevor; Fly Agaric. Taken with the Canon G12

Enjoy the upcoming weekend, and I hope the weather is kind to you.

Looking

 All three looking ahead to the weekend.

Stag

Ram

Siskin

Have a great weekend, whatever you're doing.

Last one from Wales

.......for now.

I should be heading home soon, and I'll catch up with everyone's blogs then.

Not had the best of weather here, but had the best of the birds to make up for it; and met some great people too.

Ok, enough waffle, here's some pictures. Not all 'picture perfect', but it's the 'captured moment, that counts.'

Stonechat. Quite a few of these beauties turned up down the track a few days ago. Difficult to get close to though.

 The Nuthatch is a bit easier, when tempted with food.

 Siskin. Lovely to see so many of these here.

 On one of my many visits to RSPB Conwy, I finally managed to catch a shot of their resident Kingfisher. I posted this on their Flickr group, and had a few people recognise me as the 'author'.

 One of the ponies that roam freely at the reserve. (I think Theresa might like this one.)

Three Teal, a Black-tailed Godwit, and the smaller bird, a Long-billed Dowitcher.

Poor picture, but a nice rarity that turned up on my visit to RSPB Burton Mere. It only stayed the one day.

 A Ruff that turned up at the same reserve yesterday.

 The smaller bird, just left of center, is a Bar-tailed Godwit, with a group of Curlew.

And last one for now,

 a Toad, playing hide and seek.

Enjoy the rest of your day; and week.