Lock down. Self Isolation. Social distancing. Words we’ve all become used to.
To keep busy, I’ve photographed almost every flower in the garden – roses, lilies, freesias, bluebells and tulips. Beautiful though they are, that’s not really my scene, but keeps the hand in. However, a little bit of nature and landscape – it would be good to get out again.
So, with the lockdown being eased, where to go? No need to travel far. Just two minutes down the road is Weston Turville Reservoir. There you will find, as you would expect, birdlife. Maybe not as much as elsewhere, but usually, the ubiquitous coot and moorhen, great crested grebes, Egyptian geese and mallards. And of course the resident swans. On my last visit before lockdown the male swan was busy vigorously trying to persuade his six fully grown cygnets (and two Canada geese) to leave “his” reservoir.
By the first visit after lockdown, the six had gone and the new family consisted of seven adorable balls of grey fluff! That said there were a lot of people during the day – too many really – so early morning seemed a better choice. And what glorious sunrises have been witnessed. Light wind, mist hanging over the mirror like water, and the wildlife being just that, wildlife! Also look away from the reservoir… and if you are quiet, and lucky, you may even get to see deer and hares.
To sum up, the reservoir is a most enjoyable site to visit – especially if you can crawl out of bed about 04:30!
Peter Carter
A good blog Peter and some nice images. I am only just getting out a bit further since the lock down, I have been staying very local for my images. Unfortunately I don’t go out at the crack of dawn to do photography, although I am often awake and drinking a cup of tea at that time as I am not a good sleeper. I hope you stay safe and well for the rest of the time we are restricted during this virus.
Beautiful photos. I always seem to be fast asleep though at sunrise! Must make an effort as these are amazing.