We used to visit RSPB Fairburn Ings often when Daniel and Eleanor were small, they used to love feeding the ducks and it was the perfect place to take them where they were guaranteed to encounter some hungry birds. It's only about five miles away from where we live but we don't go so often these days so on Saturday we thought it was about time we paid another visit.
Unfortunately, we were a bit disappointed. Firstly, some of the pathways are one-way. I'm presuming that this is because of coronavirus restrictions, however, others are not, so what's the point? Secondly, we didn't even venture near the hides as they were choc-a-block with people. I'd have thought there'd have been a maximum number of people allowed in them at any one time at the moment with the times we find ourselves in. I may have had both my jabs now but I'm still taking precautions when I'm out and about and I wouldn't want to be in such close proximity to all those people.
The other thing I noticed was that various areas were blocked off, such as the pond dipping platform and the duck feeding platform, I'm not sure if this is down to coronavirus restrictions or something else, but there's no consistency when so many people are occupying the hides at one time.
So it turned out that we weren't to see any birds on our walk except for a crow and three ducks. Oh, there was a robin too which a crowd of people had gathered to see, all huddled together and blocking the path. There were quite a few damselflies about though, I had to be quick to get a photo as they don't hang around for long.
There were some lovely flowers to admire.
I think the wildflowers have gone mad this year, perhaps it's down to all the rain we had in May.
There were probably some birds on this lake, though they were too far away for me to see.
Perhaps we'll leave it a while before we return, I'm not really in any hurry to visit again at the moment. We did have a good walk though and Archie was tired out when we got home, I think it was the distance we walked coupled with the heat, it was a scorcher.
We have not visited our lovely Portchester castle since last year, just far too many people, we are lucky to be able to walk along the shore, which is just 10 minutes walk from the house.
ReplyDeleteThat bird count sounds very disappointing but the flowers are lovely. And Archie had a great walk!
ReplyDeleteThat's what happens sometimes, I suppose - things change for the worse instead of better. It's too bad that it was a disappointing visit, but at least you had a good walk.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame your visit turned out to be a disappointment and the hides were full of people. I agree there's no consistency with the covid rules, it's all becoming quite farcical. I'm sure Archie thoroughly enjoyed himself and it really is a tad too hot for our four-legged friends to be out in the heat for too long, I'm thinking Tilly finds it too hot with being a black dog with a lot of fur.
ReplyDeleteThat's a bit of a shame, their precautions sound a bit hit and miss, however you found some great views and flowers instead and the light looks brilliant. Let's hope next time you can get closer to the birds. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely Jo but is very off putting when you see so many people about, I love damselflies but have never manged to capture one in a photo they look so pretty when they are flying about. The wild flowers in the dene near me have really grown too the cow parsley is taller than me. Have a lovely weekend. xx
ReplyDeleteYour photos of your walk are lovely. I'm sure Archie was happy. It's disappointing when the system to prevent crowding is not managed well by those who look after this site. We're being cautious about crowded areas too. Take care Jo and I hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThere are some lovely wild flowers about at the moment, it does make for pretty walks.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame the place wasn't more organised though so you could have seen more. I think we will all be very wary or crowds in the future, it's why I like going to the open spaces and NT places, so far I haven't found it to be too bad. Hope you have a lovely weekend. x
We have not renewed our RSPB membership as we seem to see more birds other than in the RSPB reserves. The footpaths ar Fairburn are narrow and I’n still bring careful too post vaccination,
ReplyDeleteShade just feels so good on days like that. I must look up damselflies .. I don't know if we get them here
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures. How annoying and disappointing for you. Hopefully your next visit will be more enjoyable. xx
ReplyDeletelovely pics, like you we are still wary of crowds.
ReplyDeleteSo much beauty everywhere you look. Thank you for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteAlthough you had a slightly disappointing visit, I did enjoy seeing your photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Such pretty photos and the shady lanes look so inviting (very hot here already). I enjoyed tagging along.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Some lovely photos, especially of the damselfly and the wildflowers. Shame some people don't stick to social distancing rules.xxx
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