Boxing Day, 2022, at Ballachurry Reserve.
The weather forecast between Christmas and New Year is for unsettled weather so Boxing Day, although cold and windy, seemed the best option for a visit to Ballachurry Reserve. Well wrapped up, I arrived about 10.45 and immediately noticed how wet the reserve was following recent heavy rain. All the streams were rushing and the new pond was pretty much brimful. Large pools of standing water were visible under the trees and many of the paths had standing water. The wildlife seemed to be hunkered down out of the wind low in the vegetation or even on the ground - I put up 2 Redwings from under the Blackthorn thicket when I paused to take a photograph nearby. Here is what I recorded:
Birds:
SC209693 2 x Redwing on ground under Blackthorn; Great Tit.
SC208694 female Chaffinch
SC208695 male and female Chaffinch
SC209694 ( from hide) 9 x Goldfinch; Greenfinch; Water Rail heard; Blue Tit; male Chaffinch
SC209694 (near path junction) Blackbird alarm call heard; Wren heard not seen.
Other:
SC209695 Hibernating 7-spot Ladybird in Oak sapling.
SC209694 Gorse in full flower
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| Goldfinch seen from the bird hide |
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| they were taking seeds from the Alder cones |
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| Alder cones and catkins side by side |
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| I counted 9 birds |
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| acrobatic skills needed! |
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| female Chaffinch |
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| Greenfinch |
seen from the bird hide
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| hibernating 7-spot Ladybird |
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| much of the reserve is under water |
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| barrow storage area is flooded |
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| as is the meadow |
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| the stream is brimful |
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| as is the new pond |
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| seen from the opposite direction |
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| usual view from the boardwalk |
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| looking along the stream towards the bridge |
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| and back towards the pond |
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| view from the bridge |
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| low sun = long shadows - the meadow area |
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| view from near the path junction |
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| usual view from the hide ramp |
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| and usual view of the hide |
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| gorse provides a bright splash of colour |
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| The Water Rail was heard from the reed bed |
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| reeds blowing in the wind |
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| time to close down the shutters and go home for lunch. |
Almost certainly my last visit of the year to the Reserve unless the weather forecast for the rest of the week improves. It's been an interesting year at the wetlands.
please click on photos to enlarge them
