More from Exminster

I have learnt that it's nice to look at pictures when you read other peoples Blogs, a picture is worth a thousands words etc. So I have 4 for you to look at today. Shocking, cold weather again, wet, windy and bitter! Never the less a walk was fun and I had another look at Exminster Marsh. As you can see on the photograph this is a very picturesque place which is adjacent to the Exe Estuary. Have a look at the Google Earth picture here to see exactly where it is. The swans were still in evidence and I was fascinated to see how odd they looked with rusty brown heads and necks, click on these pictures and they will open into larger images. On a closer inspection, as you can see this is simply mud, the soil in this part of the world is very rich in iron and consequently takes on a red tinge, literally caused by rust. The swans have dirty heads and necks due to contact with the soil in the wet muddy conditions. You can also get an idea of how water repellant feathers can be, you can see droplets on the feathers. I have included one head shot of a clean bird just for you to compare.
I chased after a Long Tailed Tit for an age to try and get a good shot, but they can be very secretive. Eventually he popped his head up and I fired off a shot or two but nothing worth sharing with the world. I suspect that they have established a breeding territory in the area that I saw them so it shouldn't be too difficult to eventually get a good photograph.