Garden Beauties

 The beautiful blackbird in the first image stopped by to feed on some seed that had been put out on a tree stump. Blackbirds are easily overlooked because they are a common species and they lack the bright plumage that many other garden birds have. However they really are quite beautiful and their feathers have a gorgeous sheen so every now and then they deserve to be noticed.

The robin appeared in the window of the hide where I was sat, he was a fearless little chap and happily took a mealworm from my fingers and ate seed from the palm of my hand. I think you will agree he is a handsome specimen and although they are a very familiar sight I couldn't resist sharing these lovely shots.

A Little Ball of Fluff

 The Robin is an iconic bird with its bright red breast and cheerful song it is easily recognisable and much loved.

This little beauty had been singing loudly in some low branches, presumably marking his territory and then he flew down and landed on a branch barely a metre away from me. He was so close but he was constantly watchful so I had to make sure I didn't make any sudden moves.

Despite the bright sunlight it was bitterly cold and so it is no wonder that he is all fluffed up to stay warm. I think it was the need to warm up that gave me the opportunity to be so close and get these stunning images.

Everybody's Favourite

It would be hard to argue against the Robin being everybody's favourite bird and these three spotted in Mere Sands Woods help confirm just how beautiful and endearing the Robin is.

Last year I took a photo of a fledgling Robin in the same spot as the first of today's images and given how territorial Robins are I wonder whether this is the same bird, it is nice to think that it is.

The second of today's Robins was a noisy and curious little chap and he looks in fine condition.

As I was stood on the path watching the birds I spoke with a couple of other visitors to the reserve and together we tried to tempt one to feed off our hands. We managed to tempt him to  a small pile of seeds and mealworms on the floor at our feet but he couldn't be persuaded onto a hand.

Songs From The Wood

I never tire of photographing Robins. They have such great characters, they're bold, inquisitive and sometimes cheeky. I love these shots because of the lighting, the texture of the mossy log and the green and blue background from the massed bluebells on the slope behind.

I know lots of you like to see these pictures too so I will keep on snapping Robins whenever I get the opportunity.

Red Breast

I had intended to leave the woodland of Mere Sands Wood behind and go back in time for some pictures from a few years ago but I decided I couldn't leave it without posting one more shot of a beautiful robin.

Enjoy

You've gotta love a Robin

So there I was walking around the zoo, I had spent about 40 minutes watching the Red Pandas and after getting a few decent shots I was heading over to look at some owls when this noisy little Robin flew past me and settled on a post just off the main path. I hadn't intended to take any pictures of it, after all Robins are everywhere and I didn't go to the zoo to look at common garden birds. But I do love Robins and I know there's a few of you out there who would say "you've gotta love a Robin" and just look at him, he was watching me so intently it seemed rude to ignore him. I love the pose  and I like the way the blurred background with the shaft of light highlights the bird perfectly. 

Just as it would have been rude not to take the shot it would be rude not to share it, so please take a few moments to enjoy this beautiful bird and I hope that like me, your day was just a little bit brighter for seeing it.

A Robin

Always popular the Robin is a beautiful bird and with its inquisitive personality cannot fail to charm us all.

These pictures were taken in the walled garden at Royden Park in Wirral earlier today, it was bright and sunny but very cold and this little chap was foraging for a tasty snack.  It also sang a cheerful song as it sat in the tree and really helped to lift my mood.  I hope it works for you too :)