Saturday 12 December 2009

Not so shy

I managed to coincide some free time with good weather this week so wandered down to Yarrow Valley County Park because I've been told about a not-so-shy water rail. And sure enough not long after I'd arrived she emerged from the reeds strutting her feathers, stomping her beak and not at all perturbed by a couple of onlookers.Thanks to Brian Rafferty for this stunning image. His blog is well worth visiting.

Back on the big lodge, the merest glance of a human sneaking a plastic bag from a pocket immediately triggered a cacophony of opening wings, quacks, skidding webs and attention grabbing calls from circling black-headed gulls.

5 comments:

Duxbury Ramblers said...

She (did not know that) was not about this morning, you are right not a bit shy.

Yes the plastic bag certainly grabs their attention, Eddie the swan got so impatient with me the other day he tried to help himself - nibbling my fingers in the process, we just call it cupboard love.

Brian Rafferty said...

Carol. Sounds like a good trip to Yarrow Valley. I haven't as yet seen the water rail there but have had excellent sightings of the kingfisher which I understand is on show again.

Thanks for the mention and I wish you all the best for the forthcoming festive season.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Interesting Carol - I once saw a male water rail sneaking through the sedge at Leighton Moss.

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful shot of a Water Rail Carol, so lucky to see and get that.

Mistlethrush said...

Roy - the photo was taken by Brain. I can only dream of having a camera outfit good enough to get a shot like that.

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