Encore at Polemere Nature Reserve

I had 45 minutes break once the carers arrived to attend to Mother so I grabbed the tripod and 100 - 400 lens and took off to the newly found hide at Polemere.  I have no experience of bird photography and have not quite worked out how to get a good shot.  Here are a few examples from today's effort and at least I can work on improving the technique.  How I miss CCC outings where I learn so much!

Polemere Nature Reserve

More views of Polemere Nature Reserve.

Polemere Nature Reserve

I had a couple of hours this afternoon to see if I could find the hide at Polemere Nature Reserve. Perplexed, as I could not see any sign of what I had imagined,  I pulled over in the lane to take a closer look at a pool which had lovely reflections. As I stood on the bank looking at the pool wondering if I had found the Nature reserve. I met a lady in the lane who pointed out the way to the hide only feet away, an amazing hide which was just so comfortable and with reference books, charts and notices. Looking out I could hear the Lapwings distinctive sound which apparently is evident of pre-pairing for the breeding season. I was amazed and fascinated to have found a place like this only 10 minutes from the house and I have now looked up the Website to discover more interesting places and projects in the area.

Polemere is about 6 miles south-west of Shrewsbury: NGR SJ41310939

Sheep Road Block

I am not sure where this flock were headed but there was no room to pass.

Ashes Hollow, Long Mynd

Caroline introduced me to this amazing place.  It has rained so much lately in Shropshire that everywhere seems water logged and muddy. We couldn't cross the stream not having our waders so we ventured up a hill to attempt to join the route at a different point, all was going well until we realised my respite time was fast running out.  Gamely, we slid down the hills only to be met in our wet, green stained sheep shit pants by a fell runner at the bottom on his way up.  It was a good day out and lovely to be in the landscape though tomorrow, I am sure I will feel my gluteal muscles well exercised and the gastrocnemius well stretched. Thank you Caroline for a fun and great day, you have to admit we did laugh!

Snowdrops at Attingham Park

I took off in the curtesy car to Attingham only to notice a yellow mechanical warning sign on the dashboard. There was no car manual, so after phoning the garage they agreed to meet me at Attingham and bring another car. Meanwhile, I rushed off with my camera to find the snowdrops. It was all a bit rushed but there was a beautiful carpet of white under the trees.

Sheene House, Shropshire

A trip to Dawley to get an estimate for my damaged bumper meant that I was in spitting distance of Sheene House and an opportunity to have a cup of coffee with Caroline. Thinking she had popped out to get some provisions, I wondered about her garden with the camera. What a surprise when I phoned her mobile and she appeared!  

Ludlow, Shropshire

Today it was a great opportunity for me to meet Ann and Phil with their friends Jane and Peter in Ludlow.  We spend time walking from the castle along the river from Dinham to Ludford and then back into the town to find a hearty bowl of soup. Ann spotted a Kingfisher by the Weir but sadly it flew off. It was a lovely day out and time went so very quickly which of course means I was having fun, thank you!