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view across reserve from boardwalk, early January.
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A cancelled flight from Scotland followed by a delayed flight 2 days later meant that I had to miss the work party at Ballachurry Reserve on Saturday. However, needing a break from post holiday chores and a breath of fresh air I went down on Sunday morning and immediately noticed that the overhanging ivy had been cut back from the pavement outside the reserve. That huge pile of wood chip just inside the gate had also gone, sure sign of hard work by the volunteers. Although the weather was grey and chilly I noted the following wildlife: Birds:
SC209693 I put up a Snipe from beside the path; Robin; 2 x Chaffinch; 2 x Great Tit.
SC209694 I put up a Woodcock near the path junction; Moorhen and Wren seen from hide; Sparrowhawk flew across path; female Blackbird.
SC208694 Blackbird alarm call heard from willows; 2 x Great Tit; 2 x male Chaffinch, one singing; 2 x Blue Tit; Wren.
SC208695 (on or near feeders) 7 x Goldfinch; 2 x Great Tit; 2 x Blue Tit; 2 x male Chaffinch and 1 female; Dunnock.
Other:
SC209694 Yellow Brain fungus on log pile.
SC208695 2 x Longtails beneath feeders.
SC208694 unidentified toadstool beneath willows; unidentified fungus on fallen twig.
SC208694 first Hogweed flower of the year.
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Blue Tit
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hungry Chaffinches
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Great Tit and Goldfinches
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5 of 7 Goldfinches using the feeders
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Great Tit
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Longtail scavenging below feeders
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there were two of them
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all part of the food chain!
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fungus on fallen twig
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decomposing the dead wood
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unidentified fungus below the willows
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Yellow Brain fungus
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early Hogweed in flower
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usual view of hide
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Unfortunately not everyone appreciates or values the Reserve. The hide reeked of tobacco today.
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ash tray corner
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discarded orange peel near the dragonfly pond
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usual view of boardwalk- no sunshine today
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looking back along boardwalk
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boardwalk from the opposite end
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dragonfly pond
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some wood chip has been added by the bench
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| meadow |
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near the entrance
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view from ramp
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reeds near the bridge
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looking through the shutters
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and in the opposite direction
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brambles cut back
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In just one morning from this....
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to this!
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new chip along the gorse boundary
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ivy cut back along the pavement
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Three cheers for the hard working Volunteers!
please click on photos to enlarge them
