Today in this post, I am moving further along the
Antrim coast and driving down a very steep and windy road to Ballintoy Harbour. I know I normally post an Australia bird today, however I did not want to 'break my journey' but you will see birds in this post as well as scenery. Hopefully that is OK by Stewart as he is hosting his meme, Wild Bird Wednesday.
I watched these House Sparrows at what seemed like dashing themselves against these rocks and I can only conclude that they were taking insects off the rocks or trying to commit suicide!
A shy or headless Oystercatcher!
I stopped on a bend just off the road momentarily
to
take this shot of the harbour from above.
Meadow Pipit
I watched these House Sparrows at what seemed like dashing themselves against these rocks and I can only conclude that they were taking insects off the rocks or trying to commit suicide!
You can see that it was very overcast however I love
that for photographs as to me it makes for a great atmospheric shot. That building you can see was a small cafe and I thought I would pop in there later for a cuppa. I walked to the left of the harbour and saw a number of Wheatear on the beach.
Not another cave that I had to investigate!! This one went nowhere!!
Wheatear
Further on, I came across these Eider ducks below.
Black headed gull
Pied Wagtail and some more Wheatear
Then I spied a Turnstone in the Seaweed.
They really are so disguised in that habitat.
This Wheatear was showing me his lovely white rump.
Two more Turnstone.
I hope you enjoyed making the journey down to see this beautiful harbour.
So after coffee I thought I would finally make my way to my final site before finding my accommodation. However, tomorrow I will be showing you fences that I have come across along the way.
I am linking this post with WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY
Thank you for visiting.
Many thanks for all the comments you left on any of my post.
Magnificent coastal scenery - and it definitely wouldn't have the same "feel" or "quality" with a bright blue Australian sky over it! The birds are all beautiful - of course- and it is interesting to see the Turnstone in among the beach wrack - I only see them on sand flats and they are very flighty in this environment.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post such beautiful scenery and lovely birds, over cast days do make for great photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery the birds are great too, over cast days make for great photos.
ReplyDeleteThe harbor pictures are just wonderful! And I also love the handsome black headed gull!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see a black hooded gull in real life, they are stunningly. Wonderful tour Margaret, I am so glad I found your blog and could there be a book here?
ReplyDeleteNice, as ever.
ReplyDeleteTomás.
HI Lynn The gull is called Black headed and they are everywhere where I live and very noisy. A book? I would not have the time to write a book unfortunately and really I have never thought about it anyway. I would need a few extra days in the week at the moment!!! I consider you are one of my first people who started following me regularly and always with wonderful comments. You have encouraged me greatly and I appreciate that very much.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I am enjoying your scenic journey along the coast. It is a beautiful place. Love all the birds too. Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI have ancestors in my genealogy work that came from Antrim County...so this was extra special for me. Thanks for sharing. And of course, the bird images are always an added plus.
ReplyDeleteSo love this fascinating coastline. and the moody light makes it even more fascinting. beautiful little birds. But I find the wheatear, with his white rump on show, the most appealinjg profile.
ReplyDeleteThey are interesting little creatures for sure.
ReplyDeleteMore fabulous scenery and wildlife from your coastal journey.
ReplyDeletelovely selection of birds!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful rugged coastline. I did enjoy the journey Margaret! The overcast sky does add a lot of atmosphere and the scenery is marvellous. Lots of great birds along the way as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along with you. You saw not only many birds, but beautiful coastal scenes as well. I really like your 'atmospheric' shot of the cafe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me follow your trip! (Was it Ireland?)
ReplyDeleteYou saw many different birds, some of them we also have here in Sweden.
Great job! Have a nice trip! /Pia
Some stunning scenery and a cracking selection of birds Margaret, a lovely place for a walk...[;o)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful scenery!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful area and should be seen by everyone!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary.
ReplyDeleteLovley photos ,Nette
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post. I'm so enjoying this journey with you. I love the Black Headed Gull; don't think I've ever seen one before.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo, a place to stay a little longer and great shots of the Wheatear.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievably beautiful. And a wonderful start to my day. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful beach trip Margaret. You saw a lot af birds, plus the great scenery. Turnstones remind me of one of those find the hidden object puzzles for children. ...they are really camofla
ReplyDeleteThe coast is gorgeous and I enjoyed the birds as well.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, so many beautiful (and as you say, atmospheric) views and stunning birds. I was exciting to see the Turnstones because I sometimes see them in North Vancouver. The Wheatear is brand new to me. So delicate and beautiful! Thank you for a wonderful tour.
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely birds! Wonderful variety you were able to capture.
ReplyDeleteGreat variety of birds, and such a gorgeous coastline. I didn't get to go to N. Ireland on my trip years ago and would love to go back and see the Giant's Causeway and so many things. I LOVE Ireland! And yes, Blogger friends are a great group of people, always willing to help.
ReplyDeleteThe wheatear is a very pretty color. I enjoyed all of your photos. Looking forward to more.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful photos . . .
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful series...I am going to have to come back and visit...I love the 11th shot! Just love that sky.
ReplyDelete