break the cycle

 

A short but pleasant one here; a small cycle ride round the lagoons and back, mid-May, for fitness rather than photos. We only stopped once - at the Esk Estuary because there were starlings and swallows buzzing the area and it was respectably sunny. We had only taken B cameras as there were no specific plans to photo anything, but it would be against the law to take no cameras. So B cameras were carried in back packs / pannier bags and about 20 decent photos taken. 16-05-26.

starling on top of the building before you go round the lagoons

swallows on the wires

sand martin

starlings had a nest in this building end

coming and going with a regular delivery service of caterpillars

We weren't always excited about swallows. Actually not entirely true. I'd often see them flying back and forth, low-level above the playing fields of Holyrood beside the Palace. And try to capture their swooping passes with the camera. Not easy as they seem to go 90mph. They are spectacular fliers, and with very little effort do those circuits just for amusement, rather than to catch food.

at the chalet

Then last year about now we were staying with Mary's sister in Aberdeenshire and a pair were building a nest in the eaves of the chalet in which we stayed. They were remarkably unbothered by our presence and I would take photos of them just 10feet away as they sat watching us. Andy suggested there was an unhappy ending to their stay there, perhaps having a sparrowhawk flavour, but wasn't sure, so I am very much in denial about that, and hope to see the pair of them again soon. Although I think another bird took over their nest site in the corner of the chalet. 

complete charmer seemed to enjoy watching us
as much as we enjoyed watching them

Anyway that experience embedded a love of swallows and it is a delight to see them. Starlings always get a vote as well. For their iridescent plumage despite a rather unprepossessing call. Slightly made up for by their excellent beatboxing. I could have stood about for ages but Mary (after taking a few photos) was keen to get moving again before she seized up. Back on the bikes and cycled home. Job done.

a pair of goldfinches trying to get in on the act

18miles in 2hrs22m

out: cyclepath, coastal road, lagoons
back: Brunstane Burn path, Holyrood Pk, home