On another wet afternoon we drove to Lymington for printer inks and to Milford on Sea pharmacy and Co-op, diverting to Keyhaven on our way home.
Saltgrass Lane was well waterlogged, even though the tide was not yet high enough for its closure.
Walkers, dogs, and vehicles were silhouetted on the spit against dramatic skies.
Sedate swans, occasionally dipping their benthic burrowing beaks, sailed along the water’s surface.
Skeins of geese honked overhead;
turnstones rested on rocks while
Jackie photographed me photographing them, as the rising tide lapped around them
Nearby she also spotted a thrush (identified by quercuscommunity’s comment below as more likely a rock pipit), curlews, geese, and an oystercatcher.
A hardy human pair spent some considerable time immersed up to their necks in the water, arousing the interest of a pair of swans when they changed into their dry clothes. The last picture is Jackie’s.
This evening we dined on tasty Welsh rarebit, Jackie’s choice chicken and vegetable stewp, and fresh crusty bread, with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Macon.
Still delicious we’re in -30 so enjoy! ❄️ smiles hedy
Now that is cold, Hedy. Thanks very much
I know Derrick very fresh…it’s the north 🤓🤪
Hardy swimmers indeed. I love your swan photographs!
Thank you very much, Anne
Oh, what fabulous photographs! Captures the gloomy winter day so well.
Have you noticed how winter swimming/cold water swimming is gaining in popularity lately?
So I understand, Sue. Thanks a lot
I’ve never heard of turnstones before. What beautiful birds.
You didn’t fancy joining the swimmers?
Definitely not, Helen. Thanks a lot 🙂
😊
So many beautiful photos – the ominous grey skies lit with shafts of hope, the supremely elegant swans, and Jackie’s wonderful shots of the Turnstones and Thrush. I love the image of the three happy dogs, with three owners on the horizon, too.
The ‘cold water’ swimmers are admirable. This brave sport seems to be the new trend… I always like to ‘buck the trend’, myself..!
I’ll certainly buck that one, Emma. Thanks very much from us both.
The black and whites of the birds on the rock are exceptional, Derrick. In Russia, there is a “Walruss” movement; those are people who swim all year round, cutting holes in ice during winters.
Thanks very much, Dolly. And colder there, of course.
My pleasure, Derrick.
And now I know what benthic means, and am trying to figure out how to work it into a conversation today. 🙂
🙂 I’m sure you will manage it. Thanks a lot, Yvonne
It’s a new word for me as well!
I only learned it when researching the long necks – blogger Sam pointed the way
Ah!
Our days are looking as gloomy as yours, but our swans are black.
That is a big difference between us, Peggy. Thanks very much
Surprisingly, swans stay on lakes and ponds here during the New England winters. In the past week several have had to be rescued after getting caught in ice. Scary! Idyllic scenes through your camera lens.
Thanks very much, Pamela. It is years since I saw a frozen lake
It has a serene beauty, but probably not to the swans!
🙂
Now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a swan here in New Hampshire. There were some on Martha’s Vinyard when I lived there as a kid.
We have so many I never thought you wouldn’t
From reading blogs from different parts of the world, I’m seeing so many birds I’ve never seen or heard of before. It’s been quite an education!
Oh my word! Those swimmers must be part polar bear. I’ve never heard of turnstones. They are really beautiful. Loved the swans too, Derrick!
Thanks very much, Jill. I hadn’t heard of them either, before coming here. 🙂
Lovely birds.
Thanks very much, Rupali
A fine collection of shorebirds in this post. Congratulations to both photographers.
Thanks very much from us both, Tootlepedal
Wow! Gorgeous photos! Really really gorgeous! Same as the dinner 🥘😁
Thank you so much, Ribana
I’m taken with all of the bird photos, particuarly the closeup of the turnstones. I’ve never seen them before. Their patterned feathers against the white is very striking. I now have a hankering for some Welsh rarebit. I haven’t made it in years.
Thanks very much, Liz. I hope you have some cheddar 🙂
You’re welcome, Derrick. With my husband doing the shopping, we ALWAYS have cheddar. 🙂
Good taste
🙂
A glorious collection of photos Derrick, and this was definitely a stunning photo, “Walkers, dogs, and vehicles were silhouetted on the spit against dramatic skies.”
It’s been so gloomy here.
So I understand. Not very bright here – but you have it worse
The birds steal the show. Isn’t the water cold?
Thanks very much, Rosaliene. I wasn’t about to try the water 🙂
I greatly enjoyed this post with its interesting observances – the silhouettes against the dramatic sky, the beautiful swans, and geese in flight were my favorites. I’m curious about the water temperature. Brrrr!
I think if you have to swim in a wool hat, the water is too cold! I like those turnstone birds and how they perch. Great pictures.
Thank you very much, Barbara. Good point about the hat
Beautiful birds!
Thanks very much, Laurie
I love a good marsh photograph. Lovely places. And the turnstones are so beautiful. We still have snow on the ground, but it’s likely to disappear soon with predicted rain.
Thanks very much, Lisa. I hope it doesn’t stay slushy for too long.
Those are scintillating photos of water birds and silhouettes. The scale of subjects in silhouettes accentuate both smallness and adventurous nature of their existence. The swans inspecting the swimmers on the bank is hilarious.
Thanks very much, Uma. Nice descriptions once more.
Those are beautiful photos of the shore in storm light, Derrick and Jackie, and I love the phrase “benthic burrowing beaks”. 🙂
Thanks very much from us both, Lavinia 🙂
I’ve seen turnstones just once, although I’ve read they’re relatively common here. I’m certain I saw a male, a female, and a juvenile. They’re lovely and interesting birds.
I’ve not heard of cold-water swimming, apart from the occasional ‘polar bear plunges,’ and of course the Scandinavian practice of combining saunas and snowdrifts. Even here, the winter surfers are well togged out in wetsuits. Might that couple be equipped in the same way?
Thanks very much, Linda. It was impossible to see what they were wearing from a distance, but they never moved while in the water.
Gorgeous photos! The birds always make me smile! 🙂
Love the swans interest in the Human-Beans…the swans are probably wondering “what are those large birds swimming then the water?!” 😀
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
I was very impressed buy the extreme closeup of the swan. And by the way in re the printer ink comment, Did you get an email from me or did I not send it by mistake.
I didn’t get the e-mail, John. Thanks very much.
derrick – you take some amazing photos and the top two today are the ones of the bird with the bright green grass and bird on the post with that green!! and the one with you in action too
Thanks very much, Yvette. All three are Jackie’s pics.
☀️📷 well sometimes when i say “your” it might be collective to the two of you! hahaha
tell her hello from me 🌺🌺🌺
🙂 Will do.
Gob smacked. You truly bring the day to life especially with those swans.
🙂 Thank you very much, Chrissy
Winter swimming looks like madness to me!
Me, too, but they were always smiling. Thanks a lot, Andrew
I thought for sure that the header photo was an old photo until I got to the end. Hardy swimmers indeed!
So many beautiful photos–I particularly liked the first Saltgrass Lane photo and the group of turnstones. The swans with their “benthic burrowing beaks” are so elegant.
Your dinner sounds so hearty. Welsh rarebit sounds so good. I’m not sure that I’ve ever had it, but anything with melted cheese and bread! 😀
That is all Welsh rarebit is, Merril. Thanks very much
The swan with the grass in its beak – that’s my favorite. They are such majestic birds, aren’t they? I hope you’re dry…cozy… and warm. Have a Fabulous Friday. <3
Thanks a lot, Jan
I’m not sure about this winter, cold-water swimming lark, certainly not for me.
The turnstones are lovely sea birds; they congregate along the harbour here, too, searching for food.
x
Nor me, Melanie 🙂 X
Brilliant bird pictures today Derrick. I think the “thrush” may be a Rock Pipit, but pipit Id is not really my forte.
https://www.bto.org/develop-your-skills/bird-identification/videos/bto-bird-id-water-pipit-and-rock-pipit
Thanks very much, Quercus. Having watched the video we think you are right. Adding an alert to the post
Aha! I found the alliteration here! “benthic burrowing beaks”! I take it all back, Derrick.
🙂 Thanks a lot, Cynthia