Leighton Moss

A fine, sunny day was forecast so we raced up to Leighton Moss for a day's birding. Where there were grey clouds, gale force winds and driving rain. Oh well.

Female Bullfinch

Male Bullfinch

Greenfinch

Little Egret

Male Chaffinch

Little Egret

Robin

Coal Tit

Male Pheasant

Male Bullfinch

Male Chaffinch

 We were also expecting to see the Starling murmuration, but while a few large flocks went over they were very hard to see and almost immediately went down to roost. Maybe next time.

Sunset over Leighton Moss

Beeston Castle

A long walk through the countryside around Beeston Castle.
Great abundance of fungi in the forests, including a bizarre outcropping from under a fallen tree.

Fungus

Fungus

Fungus

Fungus

Shaggy Inkcap

Fungus

Fungus

Delamere Forest

A reconnaissance trip to Delamere Forest. Not much about and very dismal weather. No shortage of dogs, though.

Fungus

Robin

Marshside and Martin Mere

A misty, grey day at Marshside, and not much better at Martin Mere.

Teal

Juvenile Ruff

Whooper Swan

Whooper Swan portrait

Whooper Swan

Male Pintail

Whooper Swans

Dunham Massey

The weather predicted sunshine and clear skies so off for a nice Sunday walk round Dunham Massey: unfortunately I think the whole of the North West had the same idea as it was packed!

A beautiful day for autumnal colours though:

We caught a deer enjoying a spot of sunshine, it really was warm when you were out of any breeze.

 Good day for the fungi as well.

The light enabled us to caputure some interesting effects: