Monday 21 November 2011

On The Roof

This morning Bun and me went to see what appears to be the most photographed roof in Devon. My cunning (but risky) plan of waiting until Monday paid off nicely as there were very few people there. I'd never been to Mansands before and it wasn't an easy place to find by road, so thanks to Mark for the directions and gen. When we arrived the roof was showing very well and what a superb roof it was too! Absolutely teeming with creepy -crawlies and therefore very attractive to birds. On the roof this morning were a Wren, a Rock Pipit, a Pied Wagtail, a pair of Stonechats, a Black Redstart and a Desert Wheatear ... so not too shabby as one of these was a lifer for us both :-)


The famous roof, which belongs to the coastguard cottages at Mansands near Brixham.
On the very right hand side (just behind the solar panel) you may be able to see the Black Redstart. The Desert Wheatear is sitting on the furthest chimney just in front of the pots, you'll have to take my word for that though.
 As you can see the footpath here is raised above the level of the roof, which made for easy photography, the rain and cloud didn't. There were some brighter spells though.


Being used to the more crowded twitch, Bun solicits the attention of passing ramblers...



Soon we can't get a look down our own scopes!



The lovely Black Redstart.



The stunning Desert Wheatear
EDIT: I don't know why I didn't notice before I posted it but the bird was in the midst of a rather private moment here!  So I'll add this less embarrassing version...



.... Sans poop!


 

He was a bit too near at times , I only just got him in this one.
( It's worth opening)




6 comments:

Gavin Haig said...

Superb!

Wilma said...

Great post and stunning shots!

Bryan Rains said...

Awesome birds.

Karen Woolley said...

Thanks for the comments folks I'm surprised nobody noticed the poop! I didn't, 'til now! :-)

Stuart Price said...

Some great finds there Karen.........

Terence Watthens said...

That is a nice roof with a nice view, Karen! Your shots look good. What camera did you use for those shots? The surroundings look so cool and relaxing. People shouldn't miss that experience! :)