Carneddau Foal

It’s a stunningly beautiful day; bright blue skies backed by towering cumulus clouds, though with temperatures barely reaching double figures, it is cold. G, however, who goes by date not temperature, has decided May 1st is time for shorts......

At the best of times, Bank Holiday weekends tend to see us confined to base, but with less favourable forecasts on the horizon, we decide to brave the crowds and head for the bird sanctuary. It is, to our amazement, blissfully quiet - but for the traffic thundering past on a busy A55. But if it wasn’t for the road and the construction of the Conwy Tunnel, the sanctuary would not he here at all. The birds don’t seem to mind, so it’s a small price to pay. 

The tide’s in, so waders are in short supply, but the lagoons are active with several herons, egrets, cormorants- and the usual ducks, coots, geese and swans. The opportunities for blips are many. 

However, it’s the reserve’s small herd of Carneddau ponies that capture my attention today. I blipped a mare and foal last month, taken on an energetic hike across the mountains they call home (https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2829049436204697366)
and in my journal explained their use in landscape maintenance. Here we see the policy in action as they graze on areas of rough ground. Even here, you’re never sure when you will see them, but finding them is definitely an easier task than up on the Carneddau. 

And sure enough, today I’m lucky. The light is gorgeous, and whilst they’re half hidden in the reeds and bulrushes, photographic opportunities abound. 

The hard thing is selecting from the 400 or so shots I take. A newly independent foal intent on exploration, or the flowing manes of mares against the reeds? I’m afraid I go for ‘cuteness’ in the end - but I just cannot resist this little one! 

Once again, thank goodness for ‘extras’.