We had heard that there was a lot of frog activity in Edinburgh recently (see
this post on The Nature Blog for some wonderful photos) so today we walked over to Blackford Pond, where we had seen loads of frogs and toads last year (see
this post). It was lovely, the weather is wonderful today and there were lots of birds around, including
tufted ducks,
coots, a
moorhen, a
heron and plenty of mallards (look how purple this mallard's head looks in the sun, its a strange effect of irridescence that I've noticed before and this is the first time I've caught it on film).
No frogs or toads though, although there was quite a lot of frogspawn in a flooded field nearby.
On the side of Braid Hill we saw a
chiffchaff, hopping around crazily, it must have just landed from its migration basck from Africa. it was singing exuberently as were many other birds. In the distance we saw a
buzzard, circling slowly in the breeze.
We then walked along the Braid Burn, beautiful with wild garlic leaves and full of small birds singing and jackdaws busily flying around, making a lot of noise.
I would love to have frogs or toads in our garden pond!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping and watching every year - but no luck so far.
Perhaps it is a bit too small ...
That green in the forest is magic. That you very much for the link to the nature blog.
ReplyDeleteI popped over to see the photos of the frogs, since I've always had a fondness for frogs. Lovely photos, aren't they? Thanks for the link.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to have some of the most lovely places to take walks in your part of the world. Really, really lovely!
I really like the idea you showed in your previous post about the recycled Easter cards, too. What a great idea!
So beautiful. Good job with the mallard pic!
ReplyDeleteHi, Juliet. This is so beautiful. I love frogs. They are singing by my window as I type this:)
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see you. I'm especially happy to see that you have a book. I will add it to my "must buy" list! If only I were rich and didn't have to wait until payday...heavy sigh. But I look forward to ordering as soon as funds allow.
My daughter just returned from a working trip to your country, and she said it was so beautiful and her favorite place to visit. I want to go so badly. I'm glad I can see it through your eyes here.
Great way to spend a day, in any case
ReplyDeletecity walk
my shadow leaps
out of the way
you definitely captured the purple iridescence on that mallard's head. and that pathway is so inviting. i'd love to be exploring along that wooded area.
ReplyDeleteyour card in the post below is beautiful. hope all is well. have a great weekend.
It surely is Greening up nicely.
ReplyDeleteTotally picturesque. I love going on your walks with you!
ReplyDeleteI like going to the pages where the birds are mentioned and being able to hear the bird songs
ReplyDeleteQuite a walk,
much love
gillena
They say you can tell about the health of your enviroment if the toads and frogs are healthy and plentiful. Makes sense to me. I love the toads and we have these sticky footed little tree frogs around sometimes. The toes suck right on to your skin.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad does a great Chiffchaff impersonation. So much so when I hear one, I instinctly think it's him! A mallard's purple plume is something rather special. x
ReplyDeleteSounds like an idea day out to me. The wild garlic is in abundance in our area too. So glad that spring is here now. I have seen quite a few frogs run over recently so I hope there are lots more hidden away in secret, damp and safe places.
ReplyDeleteI love ducks - amazing the iridescence. In Australia toads are an introduced pest, but I gather that is not the case everywhere?
ReplyDelete