Wild Bird Wednesday 265 - Pheasant

During a visit to Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire I found this pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) relaxing in the sunshine.  Although not native to the UK, this bird is now common and is found over most of the country.

Of course the real issue for pheasants is not their immigration status, but the fact they they are shot for 'sport'.

I just loved the combination of colours in these pictures - and while there is no sign of the birds magnificent tail, this is a new species for me on WBW so I went with these pictures.

As ever to join in with WBW click on the blue button below the thumbnails.  SM

PS: still struggling with a very heavy cold - so replies may be late.  (sorry)

An InLinkz Link-up

Inside the Minster

These are a few shots from inside York Minster.  I really like the ones looking up at the ceilings.  I take them by putting the camera flat on its back on the floor and then using the self timer to release the shutter.  You get a few odds looks, but it's a decent method.

Sorry about the lack of details here and comments elsewhere, I have been lain low by a head cold of epic proportions.  And on that note, I'm going to slump by the fire.  Normal service will be resumed asap.  SM

You can find more shots from around the world at Our World Tuesday.

Wild Bird Wednesday 264 - Barn Swallow

Continuing with birds from Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve, these are a family of Barn Swallows ( Hirundo rustica).  As a kid they would have just be 'Swallows' and for most people in the UK I assume that they still are.  

By the time I took these pictures the light was truely appalling - so I have to say I am rather pleased with these images.  In fact I basically gave up taking pictures and just watched as the mist made it feel like I was shooting through soup!  Which just goes to show, that really really should just keep shooting!

I was really missing my tripod for these pictures, as it was hard to keep the camera on frame and look for the incoming parent birds.  I got a lot of shots with partial parents!

As ever, you can join in with WBW by clicking on the blue button below the thumbnails.  SM

An InLinkz Link-up

Birds Eye View

When we were in York we climbed the central tower of the Minster - 275 steps and 230 feet up in the air.

I liked these shots as they do not look like any other shots I have seen of York - its not that people have not taken them before, its just that images of 'classic locations' are dominated by 'classic shots'.

Anyway, here are the pictures.

You can find more shots from around the world at Our World Tuesday.