We have a nice park within walking distance from the house. A great place for Kerry and me to wind down after work or on weekends, strolling round the lake, or to go on longer walks along the trails, over the old stone and wooden foot bridges that cross the stream that flows through the length of the park. It’s also a great place to see some wildlife and snap some photos with my Lumix camera.
Speaking of which, I don’t generally see some of the birds that other locals seem to catch on camera. I’d love to see a kingfisher – I’ve seen others’ photos of them fishing round the pool that lies opposite the lake – but I haven’t been lucky enough. One time, we were walking through trees on a trail beyond the far end of the park and heard a woodpecker for the first time. We stood a while, but we couldn’t see it anywhere, only the hollow echoes of its knocking on a trunk. I really wanted to see this lovely bird; again, I’d seen other locals’ pictures of them – the lesser spotted woodpecker.
One evening, we went for quite a late walk (late for us) and ventured further than we usually would at that time, especially on a work day. I almost picked up my camera to take with me, but I didn’t. I don’t know why. Maybe I was too tired, my eyes not focusing properly themselves, never mind trying to focus a camera to get any good, worthwhile stills. Well, here we were on a path we’d walked countless times, and there it was: the woodpecker. It flew from tree to tree, hopped along on the ground, for a long time. And all I could think was, Why didn’t I bring my camera? I guess that’s the difference with a professional photographer: they won’t go anywhere without their camera, just in case. But I’m a hobbyist. I really should try to carry it with me more often, though.
Then I saw a flash of green fly by. I’d seen a green blur flying round one of the other trails, once. I’ve heard of parakeets living round there, but I still haven’t seen one. I just hope that if – when – I do, I’ll have my Lumix with me.
But there are plenty of waterfowl around the lake all year round. Swans, mallards, coots, moor hens…
There’s one particular favourite of mine: the tufted duck. He stands out from the crowd with his oily purple-black feathers offset by white ones, his yellow eyes and blue bill, and that signature tuft on his head. I kept saying to Kerry that I need to get some pictures of him, and I’m glad I decided to take my camera with me when I did. He hasn’t been around since I took the photos below. I’d like to think he’s gone searching for companionship, because he seemed a lonely fella – I saw another male with him one time only, and I’ve never seen a female – even trying to hang out with the Canadian geese (not successfully).
Well, I hope he comes back someday, hopefully with a few friends.
