Ock Valley Walk – some wildlife

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Ock Valley Walk
Yesterday I put up a video from Boxhill Wood. Today we were in the other nature area looked after by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council -The Ock Valley Walk. There was a mixture of sun and shade as we walked between the two streams.
Ock Valley Walk
Below the weir a group of geese were paddling in the sparkling water.

We saw Martin Wackenier – Devine Times Photography  and said hello from a Social Distance. Martin has been taking pictures every day on his exercise walk during the lockdown. With his sharp eye and lens he sees and identifies lots of birds and insects. First time we have seen him out.
Ock Valley Walk
It is a good time to learn to identify birds but not easy to get decent pictures.
Ock Valley Walk
Blackbirds and Robins are not that difficult to photograph but other birds like wrens are more elusive to the camera lens..
Ock Valley Walk
The other issue is identification. This bird is a wagtail and not pied. Both the grey and yellow wagtail can have yellow underneath. Most likely it is a Grey Wagtail, even though it does not look that grey. It is near flowing water and Greys are more common.
Ock Valley Walk
Further along by the other weir was a heron.

There used to be a blog about wildlife by the Ock. It has moved to be a more occasional twitter feed these days.

Masks, Market and Making

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Masks and Making
Some trend setters in Abingdon have started to wear masks in public – a practice long established in Asia. I read somewhere that it was begun in Japan in 1918 during the influenza pandemic.
Masks and Making
At the Abingdon Market the fruit and veg stall was extended into one long stall. This is to help social distancing.
Masks and Making
Finishing Touch in Stert Street have been making some colourful rainbows to add to their shop window while the shop is closed.
Masks and Making
Prices Stationers will take orders by email. They supply the raw materials for making all kinds of Art, including rainbows for the window, and VE Day bunting.
Masks and Making
VE Day 75 is still planned for Friday 8th May. Many events will have been cancelled because of the lockdown but Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council have details of their plans for virtual events.