27th February & 28th February.
Did you know that there are three different kind of swan here in the wintertime I know you can't see them in the photo but they are all there. There are 8 Mute Swans 99 Whooper Swans and 1 Bewick Swan, and guess which we were looking for. We knew that there was 1 Bewick Swan just a few mile away in a flock that has been with us all winter so we had to see it before they head north for their breeding grounds. We were lucky we got parked in a spot where we could view this field from the car, Stu popped into the back seat so we were both sheltered for that north wind. I have a clamp for my telescope that fits it onto the front window so I was happy not having to stand out on the cold. We scanned the whole flock and no signs of the Bewick. We had been told it was wearing a blue collar so it should have been easy to pick out HA HA. Bewick Swans are a good bit smaller than your Mute and Whooper and there is a difference around the yellow area on their bills. There were a few of the swans asleep and we thought one looked a bit smaller but at that distance it was hard to be sure. After a while this particular swan held it head up and low and behold it had a blue collar on. We were very pleased at that as it is some years since we have seen one.
Bewick's Swan
Whooper Swan.
Mute Swan.
Tuesday being of unsound mind we set of again for Scone Palace. It was a bitterly cold day but we were determined to see the Hawfinch properly and the Snowdrops. As I have told you in Joan's Musings the snowdrops were beautiful and there were thousands of them but the Hawfinch were not to seen. We wandered about in a freezing cold wind but no luck. There was however a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming very close by so we set off to see that after about 15 more freezing minutes we gave up it must have seen us coming and flew off. When we passed this way later it was drumming again but we still could now see it plenty of woodland birds but no woodpecker. So I'm afraid a disconsolate and frozen Joan and Stuart headed back to the car and a coffee shop. Better luck another day.
Love, Joan.
The swans are so beautiful... we have a pair at a restaurant not far from here we love to visit... Even in the cold its worth going on a trip to see them. Hope you are having a nice evening as its evening already starting by you isn't it but not yet noon here. Sandra
ReplyDeleteHello Joan - see you are still braving the elements in pursuit of our feathered friends. I have a Hobby causing havoc in my front garden at the moment. It's great to watch it, but feel for all the little songbirds he keeps picking on. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSylvia xx
Berwick swans are sometimes mistaken for geese by the uneducated; I would love to see some black swans for a change, but they are very rare as well. Love the pics by the way!
ReplyDeleteSwans are so beautiful Joan I wish I could tell the difference between them - One of my nieces is a avid birdwatcher like you and Stuart and goes out in all weathers ~ Glad you had a good day ~ Ally
ReplyDeleteHi Joan, That is certainly a sight to see, all those swans in the field. We saw all the varieties you mentioned at the swan sanctuary at Abbotsbury in Dorset. I don`t think I`ve seen any other type of swan locally apart from the good old Mute and very occasionally the black Australian variety. Sometimes we walk along the Thames in Windsor and they are all out in force waiting to be fed by passing tourists. I`ll take my camera next time we go. I loved your comment about being of unsound mind...lol! :o)
ReplyDeleteSandra xxxx
So glad you managed to see the 'Bewick', and thank you for sharing, I'm learning more via your 'Diary'...
ReplyDeletePS. Bill Oddy never replied, but may be 'Busy' I suppose!
Take care
Aileen....X