Young Robin - taken 2009 in back garden - Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

WEEKLY TWEET

When was the last time you actually watched wildlife in your back garden?

Today? Last week? Can't remember? In today's modern world, we are finding it increasingly difficult to relax and take time out from work or family. This blog is to remind you all of the free entertainment that we can enjoy each and every day - WILDLIFE!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Hard Hat Required!

Awoke this morning to a sprinkling of snow (thought Spring was supposed to be here now?), so I thought I'd go back to Knocksink Woods to see what was around.
Along the main walkway leading up to the woods, the gorse was in flower, which looked a bit odd as it was also covered in snow!

Upon entering the woods it was all very picturesque, the sun was shining through the trees which was lovely....... until your head got battered by the clumps of melting ice/snow falling from the trees :-(
As the title says, hard hats were needed!



I sat by the river for a fair while hoping to see something, maybe a Dipper but the only thing that made an appearance was a Wren (not that there's anything wrong with Wrens of course!)


There were plenty of Coal Tits & Great Tits flitting about in the tree tops but none stayed still enough for me to focus on them.

I also realise that I have new found respect to anybody that photographs Treecreepers! How do you do it? The photo below shows my attempt..... if you look behind the branch that's in focus, at the small blob on the trunk, that's the Treecreeper (okay stop laughing now!)

I may have to add that challenge to my wishlist, to try & get a decent shot of one this year!

All in all it was quite a nice walk through the woods, apart from the ice attacks from above! And on the way back along the pathway, something small was flitting around the gorse, which I think was a Goldcrest, it was certainly small enough to be one!
Again, the photo isn't the best but it was moving around quite a bit!

Came home and put out yet more food for the birds, also spotted this fella casing the joint!


That's the first Collared Dove I've seen around this area, maybe he'll (or she) venture down into the garden later.

8 comments:

Warren Baker said...

Heh heh heh, Cool Treecreeper Sharon! Just keep trying, you'll get a good one one day, it took me ages!

You're bang on with the Goldcrest ID by the way.

ShySongbird said...

Well at least you got a close approximation which is more than I ever have! Great to see the Goldcrest.

We had lots of snow but thankfully it's all gone now :)

Jenny said...

What a great name for what looks like a wonderful woods! Really enjoyed joining you for your walk around and sit by the stream. One day you'll luck into one of those Treecreepers and if you get one close, they're quite tame and just carry on their business.

Chris said...

Hi Sharon,
I'll say that tree-creeper and goldcrest are the worst to photograph together with the common wren... These are just not stopping to move... I played with a goldcrest today for 20 minutes and I only got it tail and butt! So I guess your shot is better than mine ;-)

Cheryl said...

I managed to get a photograph of a treecreeper last year and it was a decent one. You are so right though, it is extremely difficult. I doubt I will ever get one again. Be sure you made me smile.......a fun treecreeper photograph!

Whilst your photographs in the snow are lovely, I for one will be glad when spring is really here.

Bob Bushell said...

You will get the Treecreeper, I bet, and about the Goldcrest, I can't get that at all.

Phil Sharp said...

Nice post Sharon.
Just to say, your treecreeper shot is much better than mine, i've never even got close. Like you I will make it a challenge this year, although we don't get very many in my neck of the woods (excuses, excuses)!

Anonymous said...

Ha ha - also saw a treecreeper this weekend! No photo though.Great pics by the way!