Wednesday 29th we woke to a snowy frosty morning, I had arranged for a trip out with my friend Linda with the hope of seeing Crested Tits at Lossiemouth Woods.
I picked Linda up a little later than originally planned at 11.10, but not too bad, it's just a half-hour drive through to Lossimouth, arriving at about 11.45. As I parked up there was a kite surfer out on the water, wow with the wind, boy was he moving.
Time to get big coats, hats, and gloves on and make a move. Lossiemouth Woods runs alongside the estuary, it was rather blustery, to say the least, a nice walk to the location, Linda knew where to find them, as there were feeders to encourage the birds and Squirrels, put up by local nature enthusiasts.
As we started walking along the path we saw a Kestrel hovering, Linda was quick to get a few shots with her camera.
It was a lovely walk through the woods, not long before we reached the location, a beautiful small clearing with feeders hung from the trees, unfortunately, they were all empty. Still, plenty of birds were dropping in then almost at our feet, then a Crested tit flew down from the tree WOW amazing, I'd never seen them before, I'd tried several times before but never been lucky enough.
Not the best of pictures unfortunately, I had taken my Swarovski ATX95 scope, but these wee birds were far too close and also very flighty, so my iPhone came out to get a few shots and short videos, we watched them popping in and out of the area, back into the trees and gorse, it was such a joy to watch.
Linda caught sight of the beautiful red squirrel up on the branch of the tree, looking down at us, I think almost hoping we were going to top up the feeders, "sorry Mr Squirell we haven't brought any food with us"
They are such bonny wee animals and so playful, up and down the trees looking for nuts, also keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
After a chilly stint in the woods, it was time to head off for some lunch and cake to celebrate Linda's birthday, all in all, an excellent few hours spent.
When we visit next time we shall make sure we have bird seed and some nuts for Cyril the squirrel.