RIVER ICE

Yesterday we went to Shilley Pool, part of Blackaton Brook near Throwleigh. As the crow flies it's not that far from us but, in the absence of roads over the moor (thank goodness), it takes about half an hour to drive the long way round. The place is a wonderful natural swimming pool, with a huge granite water slide above it. I can't say I've ever swum in it but have observed those hardy enough to brave it. 

Once we had picked our way down into the steep valley and exclaimed, as we always do, at its geological magnificence, we noticed some amazing ice formations dotted all downstream of the pool. Mostly attached to overhanging vegetation or rocks making up the banks, I have never seen anything quite like them. Utterly beautiful. There are quite a lot....just warning you!

  

On the way home, I spotted this Buzzard on top of a telegraph pole. Not brilliant - sorry. In my defense, it was a long way off, as was the lovely Stonechat I caught that morning - the first of the year so far. 

Last year I didn't stand a chance with the old camera as they are very shy and flutter off as soon as they see you. However, this year I'm determined to get a good one. This clearly isn't it....

Better luck with the Sparrows at the bird feeding station of course. Our flock are about fifty strong I would say, talking of which, a few days ago, a flock of Fieldfare were up in the field adjacent to Trigger's. I counted thirty in a block and then assessed the number of those blocks in the flock. There were AT LEAST four and therefore at least 120 birds. Amazing. Anyway....here are those Sparrows:

It's been a great weekend where we've actually got out twice rather than spending most of the time processing wood and doing household chores. Haytor today which I will post about later in the week. Until then, here's Snippet, who had a great time by the river tearing chunks of ice off the bank and crunching them up....hope you all had a lovely weekend.