Dunham Massey

A stroll around the grounds of Dunham Massey.

Dunham Massey route

Lots of rabbits near the visitor centre.

Rabbit near the fountain

In an open patch of grass a Fallow Deer was resting but being plagued by the flies.

Fallow Deer

Jackdaws to the rescue! They were running up and down the deer, snatching flies out the air and pecking things out of their fur. A complete top to toe inspection, with barely a flicker of an eyelid from the deer.

Jackdaw using Fallow Deer as insect bait

The Jackdaw Twins up to no good

A convenient support for...

...launching against flies

Deer doesn't care

A mobile perch

Grey Heron gathering twigs

Wet log with moss and lichens

Dunham Massey

A walk around and through Dunham Massey.

Route around Dunham Massey

The Fallow Deer were sheltering from the sun in the shade of Dunham Massey or eating in the shade of the trees. The park is peaceful and practically deserted first thing in the morning (nothing like the circus it becomes in the afternoon).

Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer eating Nettles (ow!)

Spotted Wood

 Dunham Town has a variety of odd and humerous scarecrows and garden ornaments. The Red Ba(c)on being the best!

The Red Ba(c)on and three little piggies

 From here there was no respite. Under the beating sun there were no benches or places to stop (apart from one bench by the Canal being taken up by canal boat users who had their own chairs anyway). The Trans Pennine Trail is just a barren motorway for bikes where we became the prey for more Cleg Flies than we have ever experienced before. We simply could not stop without being constantly attacked. Even on the move we were being bitten, right through clothing. Eventually we made it to the Dunham Farm Ice Cream shop, where we finally got some rest (and an ice cream) and a chance to eat our sarnies. No pictures of the flies, we would have been eaten alive!

Back at Dunham Massey, after gulping lots of water, we made the most of a cooperative Emerald Damselfly by one of the ponds. They just can't be bothered flying away, and if they do they come straight back. A few Common Blues were still just long enough to get the odd shot as well. No sign of the Little Owls someone had assured us were in the park (maybe we looked in the wrong place).

Common Blue Damselfly

Emerald Damselfly

Emerald Damselfly

Emerald Damselfly

Common Blue Damselfly

Common Blue Damselfly

Emerald Damselfly

Emerald Damsefly

Then back home to rehydrate and lick our wounds. Do not do this walk in the summer!

Dunham Massey

The weather finally wakes up and realises it's summer so we got out to stretch our legs around Dunham Massey. This time walking through the countryside around (and through) the estate. The deer were making the most of the sun and lots of insects down by the canal. The 100-400 proved quite useful for some birds along the way.

Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer

Poppy in wheat field

Kestrel hovering

Kestrel Hovering

Yellowhammer in muddy puddle

Fallow Deer

We've also been taking advantage of any brief periods of good weather to capture some more birds in the garden.

Blackbird fledgling

House Sparrow fledgling

House Sparrow male

Robin fledgling

Robin fledgling

Dunnock

Human female

Human Male (summer plumage)