Ardwell Bay - 23rd February 2013

We headed for the South Rhins as that was where the forecast looked best.

We hadn’t been to Ardwell Bay for a while so decided a walk along the beach might be good.

One of the locals came to see who was about!

A very spotty Grey Seal

The sun trying to come through!

Doon Brock

Colourful lichens on the rocks

Crabs claw

I think this is a Ravens nest and it looks like there is some fresh bedding in it..

…a bit untidy!

Its amazing just how much rubbish gets washed up on these little beaches!

Bright string!

Where does it all come from?

Anyone lost a shoe, boot or slipper?

Floats, rope, wellies and an oar!

Much prettier…

…the primroses are out!

Fishing boat offshore

Caterpillars…

..I think they are both Ruby Tigers

Robin on sign

Celendine

The sun is coming out!

Sand “trees”

More shoes and helmets too!

I wonder where this came from?

Ardwell Bay…

…deserted, just how we like it!

Ink Moss–2nd February 2013

A cold, bright day, we parked near Loch Ronald and set off through the forest to Ink Moss.

There is a good track though the forest.

The Black Burn, time to stop for lunch!

Whilst we were eating our lunch we realised we were being “bombed” with these cones!

We soon found the culprits…

One male and two female Crossbills were feeding above us!

Brightly coloured male

Male and female

Female

Plenty of ice about

We headed down the track towards the road

There was still snow on the hills

This looks like some sort of satellite picture but it is of ice formed on the peat

Black Loch….

….one of the Three Lochs…

….and part of the Holker Estate

Sinking boat

Geese flying over

Friendly horses, this one has one strange blue eye

Greylag Geese on Loch Ronald.

One of the Holker Estate rangers kindly stopped to let us know that they have repaired the walk around Loch Ronald, we will investigate next time!

Lush moss.

A good circular walk, we will have to return in the summer to see more wildlife!