Sunday 17 January 2016

Blashford Lakes


Yesterday on a bitterly cold day we took a trip to Blashford Lakes near Ringwood for some birdwatching. This is a new location for us, my son was told about how good it was but unfortunately for him he was not available to come with us but DH and I had a fantastic day (apart from me tripping over a bramble that was strung across a path about 3 inches off the ground like a tightrope and bruising both knees quite badly).







We saw at least 38 different bird species including some we don't see very often such as a firecrest, brambling, redpoll, siskin and nuthatch. We really should have made a list while we were there as we were trying to think of all the different species we saw last evening and have probably left some off the list. Most of the ducks and geese were too far away for my lens to cope with so I haven't got any good shots of those. When we got home my son said that I could have borrowed his long lens but I am quite glad I didn't take it as I might have damaged it when I fell over, I just managed to save my camera although the end of my lens has a tiny dent in it. 




This lake was partly frozen so not much bird activity to be seen



A general view of one of the lakes, ducks and geese too small to be seen



Included this one as I like the cloud pattern in the sky



The waterfowl were too far away for clear shots ...



but there were a lot of different species on the lakes


I really loved the woodland hide, my goodness what a busy place that was, the birds were on and off the feeders there all the time. My photos aren't the best, the light wasn't fantastic and we were shooting through the glass windows of the hide but at least you get an idea of what a popular spot it was with the small birds. 



Greenfinch



Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch



Siskins and Goldfinches



A cheeky squirrel came to join in!



Blue Tit



Great Tit



Nuthatch



Goldfinch and Blue Tit



Nuthatch and Blue Tit



Goldfinches



Brambling, Great Tit and Goldfinch


We will definitely be going back soon for another visit as we didn't have time to cover all of the reserve and next time we will take a flask of coffee and some sandwiches with us to help sustain us (especially if the weather is as bitterly cold as it was yesterday) as there are no refreshment facilities on site although we did find a rather splendid pub just down the road where we enjoyed a lovely lunch.


Birds we saw include: Firecrest, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shoveller, Mallard, Coot, Cormorant, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Back Gull, Herring Gull, Greater Black Back Gull, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Gadwall, Goosander, Dabchick, Siskin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Brambling, Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Redpoll, Dunnock, Blackbird, Nuthatch, Robin, Greater Spotted Woodpecker,  Wren

11 comments:

  1. My goodness I hadn't heard of some of those birds. Love the brightly coloured feathers.
    Liz

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  2. You got some great shots. I have been trying to get a few photos looking out at the feeders from my kitchen window, as soon as I have the camera in my hand they have disappeared.

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  3. Looks like an excellent trip. Aren't the goldfinches' red bits really bright! Hope the knees are OK. :-)

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  4. That looks like a brilliant place - I'd love to spend a day there!

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  5. Great captures- I particularly liked the Redpoll and Brambling. I've been bat watching there before - an interesting place for sure.

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  6. It looks like a great place to go walking or bird watching. You got some wonderful photos of the birds! xx

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  7. I hope you are ok after your tumble, sorry about your camera lens too. Your pictures are very lovely. It looks like a fabulous place to bird watch.

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  8. Looks like you had a fabulous time bird watching. So sorry to hear about your fall; I do hope you are OK. These are such beautiful little birds you have shared photos of today. I especially like the finches. Have a wonderful, fun filled week. Pat :)

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  9. What amazing bird photos and such a lovely selection; it sound like a fantastic place to visit. Hope your knees feel better soon. xx

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  10. Hi Jan, We have driven past here a few times without realising the benefits of stopping. You saw so much wildlife too! Sorry you fell and damaged your lens. Sarah x

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  11. What wonderful bird photos, Jan--you sure saw a wonderful variety. I hope your dented lens will still take such beautiful photos for you :) Glad you weren't seriously hurt, too!

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