urban 16

Sunday 18th Nov. Another lovely sunny day and not sure why we decided to do an urban circuit rather than drive down the coast or into the hills. There was lots to see and take photos of, particularly trees, berries, flowers and birds. Even Iona St was looking well lit...

There is a limit to the amount of xmas crap I want to see in Nov.
Don't mind a selfie in a silver bauble though.

We went through Holyrood first then through Newington / Grange to Blackford. There are always attractive plants in the gardens around the Grange. We felt we were catching the last of the Autumn colours.

lots of these highly perfumed blossoms about

probably shouldn't be taking pics of people's wallpaper 

through their windows but this was so characterful

Lots of these about currently;
very strong and pleasing fragrance

Blackford

Only got one photo of this Grey Wagtail before it disappeared.
It is one of my favourite birds and should be called Lemon Wagtail surely.

Also in the Hermitage at the stream was this pair of Dippers. Another favourite bird and I stopped to take photos and video. I called to Mary but she ran on not hearing me. I reckoned she would notice soon enough but after a few minutes I began to get concerned as she had gone round the corner and not returned. Surely she must have noticed? At the same time these charmers are not always easy to get pictures and video of but seemed not to mind today. Eventually, reluctantly, I ran on and found M round the corner chatting to the Mayfields. (I will go back soon if we get any more decent weather and shoot more video.) Haven't seen any during the Summer. RSPB site says "they dipper can be seen all year round" but then again the map suggests not in Edinburgh. So wrong on both counts! They are delightful birds, constantly bobbing up and down then diving into the fast flowing water and swimming for larvae.

Mary caught me making visual jokes and signalled appropriately

Blackford from Craiglockhart

We stopped for a wee break and I think a sports bar.
Took some pics of flowers in gardens.

superstitious hogwash

Mary impersonating Pigpen from Charlie Brown
running through a sunlit swarm of flies on the WoL

Corstorphine Hill.
I was hoping to see the Jays again but no signs.

old stuff

new stuff

St Bernard has been weeping red tears, but still well nevertheless.

16 miles