Saturday 26th June and we opted to do something a little different with this un-sunny day. I think Mary wanted to take her new bridge camera out for mooching about and photos and I suspect I encouraged the idea of Saltoun Big Wood a great place even in dull weather. (Mary has just reminded me we collected my pasting table from a job in Ormiston, and also it was the day before the 7 Hills Race.)
We hoped the poor weather would mean the limited parking at the road side would be available, but were prepared to park in West Saltoun and walk up the hill if necessary. It wasn't necessary; we were the only car parked at the new gate. There used to be a car park but the locals got sick of commercial dog walkers leaving mess.
we got a vigorous welcome from this yellowhammer
I saw this blackcap hopping through the branches and quickly got a photo. I was beginning to think that maybe this was the secret to bird photos in this wood, having totally failed on previous runs. Just walk in quietly on a dull day and keep your eyes open. And it may be, but even with my good camera the pics came out dull and grainy. And that was just about the last of the birds we got a decent look at! Very pleasant to be out and looking at everything though, and enjoying the smells and sounds as well.
newt
Quite unusual to see deer here. I suspect the drop in dogwalking numbers has had an impact. We watched as a couple crossed the path away in the distance. They seemed in no hurry and were quite relaxed.
Bambi and Thumper
group of bikers
The rain had not long stopped and there was no sign of butterflies. There were a few bedraggled looking bees coming out from hiding under foliage and flowers.
giraffe and hare in garden at exit/entrance
Mary practising specific focussing
using left hand on flipped open touch screen
that yellowhammer saying goodbye
day for snoozing indoors
No comments:
Post a Comment