Trip to Bots and Geese spotting

Decided to take a wee trip to the Bots today (Botanic Gardens). Not been in years - not counting the Tolka Branch outings - and had heard that you can see Dippers, Treecreepers and Kingfishers there so woke at 8:30am this morning - which on a Sat is amazing - to find it sunny so my mind was made up.

Off I toddled to the Bots with my bins, scope and camera - which hasn't had a good use in ages and my new telescopic lens (70-300mm) (learned wot it is - much better then erhm about this big!!!) has never really had an outing since I was gifted it (thank you mammy). I think I could have done with a bodyguard when I figured out how much money it was all worth but then the joy of the birds cleared my mind.

The 1st birdies I encountered were a few of the usual suspects - Wood pigeon, Feral pigeon and Robin.Today was a day for the Tit family with lots of showings for Blue, Great and Coal - the icing on the cake would have been the little ball of fluff of the family (Long Tailed Tit) but alas it was not to be. They are all cheeky wee things and its amazing what a pocket full of wild bird seeds will do.
Also the Squirrels - of which I think their time might be numbered as there is a cull plan in place - were soooo amusing. Between hoping on Russian visitors legs and into someones bag tray in a buggy - unfortunately I was laughing too much to get the last as the Lady had shooed it off once because it tried to get in her handbag in it 1st then proceeded when the tray was cleared to sit on the babies blanket - have to say looked quite comfy. But definitely the next time I go I'm bringing some peanuts. I know they are vermin but aww they be cute and cheeky.I managed to spot two Treecreepers just as I was thinking about texting some of the guys to see if they knew where they usually hang out. However they be very quick at creeping so I am without pictures - I will be back a)because the birding is great and b)the coffee shop is really nice :). What can I say I like my comfort.

There were no Tufted Ducks in the lake but there were a few Mallards and MoorHens.Anyone know why this one doesn't have the normal striking green legs? Doesn't look like the Juvenile from Collins???? HELP


Along the river was a sweet sleeping Mallard couple - check out the nictitating membrane (eyelid).The Magpies today were in high numbers but they weren't in the posing mood only managed to get this one good shot.Also there is one less Wood Pigeon in the Bots - check out all the downy feathers - proof of BOP activity me thinks.
Thrushes were out and about, the big Mistle Thrush giving out and the small Redwing foraging in the grass. I was lucky that one of the Mistle Thrushes was in posing mood :)My other new species was a surprisingly noisy Siskin (hoping I've identified this right #cringe#).
Not got hang of camera to have the bird in focus yet but for a 1st run don't think I did such a bad job???You will be glad to know that I did notice/look at some of the flora in the Gardens - mind you not too much - but here are two of my fav's.
Then on the way home took a wee detour to Kilmore/Beachlawn estate in Coolock to see if there was any Brent activity and there was :)
Hard to be sure as they kept moving but there was the best part of 200 Geese there with a few Thrushes, Magpies, Starlings and Curlews thrown in for good luck.
When I was standing there a flock came in to land so the noise was fantastic.
Unfortunately there were a bit skittish so couldn't get too close then it started to rain so didn't get a chance to read any of the rings that I could see :( but I can always do it next time.
Something spooked the Curlews and off they took with a shriek.
And with the rain getting heavier I called it a day and went home a happy birder with 180odd photos. Think I am going to have to hire someone or invent something to carry all the gear as my neck was sore with the camera and I didn't even lift the scope today! It's not easy is it?