Synchronised Swan Swimming

The three Mute Swans busy feeding reminded me of the synchronised swimmers in last summers Olympic games! In the background are the ever present Black Headed Gulls and behind them a black and white Tufted Duck

Boardwalk

These Black-Headed Gulls (yes I know, they become black in the spring/summer!) were lined up along the board-walk at Fairburn Ings. I think they were hoping we might have bought some bird food along.

Fairburn Ings

Met up with a group of birdwatching pals for a New Year trip to this RSPB reserve around 25 miles from York. It is very mild at the moment so we had a pleasant walk out with 60 species of bird seen on the reserve. The picture shows the visitor centre with it's wildlife friendly garden.
Ings is an old Yorkshire word of Norse origin and is used to describe a low lying area of water meadow and marsh.

Anyone for Ice Cream?

How do you entice customers into your ice cream shop when it is cold outside? You offer a warm mince pie alongside that ice cream of course. Not many takers for a seat outside though......

Favourite Spot

All this cold grey weather makes me think of brighter days. Tucked away behind the flowers is my favourite bench in the Museum Gardens. An ideal place to sit and watch the world go by, unnoticed except by the pigeons who want a share of any food being eaten!

Walk on the Walls

Been  a while since we visited the city walls. This is the view walking from Micklegate Bar towards Victoria Bar. The terraced houses opposite have a rather sought after view.

Warmer days ahead

Time to look forward to the new year, in this part of the world that means warmer days ahead! The Merchant Adventurer's Hall, surrounding lawn, and nearby pink washed buildings make for a colourful mixture any time of year but especially in spring and summer.