Wheatear on Scout Scar. 19 March 2015 A handful of swallows has reached Britain, no more. Migration is on hold as birds sense barometric pressure that tells of wild weather. Held back by strong north westerly winds that scatter bins and recycling boxes about the neighbourhood.
On a theme of recycling, or a Damascene conversion just in time for Easter, Jeremy Clarkson bids to join the Green Party- so radio 4 announced this morning. Let's remember the date and chuck the foolscap into the recycling bin at noon, with all the discards.
Hearing of all those swallows, chiff-chaff and black caps holed up in France, in Europe, I wonder about the vanguard- those hardy wheatear Frances, Michael and I saw on Scout Scar on 19th March. How sleek they looked! Newly arrived from Africa and not a feather out of place.
On a theme of recycling, or a Damascene conversion just in time for Easter, Jeremy Clarkson bids to join the Green Party- so radio 4 announced this morning. Let's remember the date and chuck the foolscap into the recycling bin at noon, with all the discards.
Hearing of all those swallows, chiff-chaff and black caps holed up in France, in Europe, I wonder about the vanguard- those hardy wheatear Frances, Michael and I saw on Scout Scar on 19th March. How sleek they looked! Newly arrived from Africa and not a feather out of place.
Where is it now, this smart male wheatear, and what does it make of the all this wild weather from the north? Beautiful bird, and a great image. The stance, the profile, a chunk of limestone and a soft wash of cloud behind it. Frances should be delighted with her photograph.
I never post images that are not my own, never. But Frances and Michael are good friends and I know we will, all three of us, remember sharing this moment with fondness, and amusement.
Out on Cunswick Fell the other day, I was seeking such a bird on top of a wall in a clear, uncompromising stance. They're not always so photogenic, they fly off , they slump and turn their backs on you. This fruitless search for a bird to photograph, any bird, complicated my getting to grips with an unfamiliar camera. I was on a fool's errand, and should have waited until today.
But strong winds hold migrating birds in Europe, awaiting a change in the weather. And the resident birds keep a low profile in all this turbulence.
My theme is what wildlife means to us. This wheatear tells of the coming of spring, of friendship and of aspiration.
A morning of lurid storm-light.
I never post images that are not my own, never. But Frances and Michael are good friends and I know we will, all three of us, remember sharing this moment with fondness, and amusement.
Out on Cunswick Fell the other day, I was seeking such a bird on top of a wall in a clear, uncompromising stance. They're not always so photogenic, they fly off , they slump and turn their backs on you. This fruitless search for a bird to photograph, any bird, complicated my getting to grips with an unfamiliar camera. I was on a fool's errand, and should have waited until today.
But strong winds hold migrating birds in Europe, awaiting a change in the weather. And the resident birds keep a low profile in all this turbulence.
My theme is what wildlife means to us. This wheatear tells of the coming of spring, of friendship and of aspiration.
A morning of lurid storm-light.
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