Waterbirds and Daffodils

A jug full of bright yellow daffodils are just the thing for cheering up a cold, grey and dreary day.

We saw quite a few interesting water birds on yesterday's walk around the lake at Rocester.  It was a cold morning and for some reason I just couldn't seem to keep warm so we didn't linger for too long. Fortunately most of the birds were gathered near the small car park where people arrive with food, for themselves and the birds.

I had to get the bird book out to identify a few of them.

Above and below Ruddy Shellduck.  There were three of them.

We saw two of the same ducks on Trentham lake at the beginning of the week.  They were an unusual enough visitor for Trentham to write a post about them on their facebook page.

Snow Goose

Runner Duck

Hooded Merganser

Shoveler Duck

Red Crested Pochard

Bufflehead? Not a native species if so. 

A Cold and Sunny Walk

 We woke up to both mist and frost this morning.   

Photos taken through glass as it was too cold to even think about stepping outside.

 

It took a while to clear but by the time we left the house the sun was peeping through.

We walked around Westport Lake.  After a few days staying at home with a cold I felt like some fresh air.

Westport Lake Visitor Centre.  The centre is owned and run by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.  The lakes and surrounding areas are maintained by the City Council.

The winter sun was dazzling in its brightness.

Shoveler duck

Black headed gull in its winter plumage

Goosander

It was cold and there were very few people about. The smaller lake was icy in places.

 
It really does feel like winter is here.

All for now.  Take care.