A Walk In The Sunshine

Just lately we haven’t had many sunny days but yesterday, after an early morning frost, the sun rose into a clear blue sky. So I decided that it was an opportunity that was too good to miss and set off for a walk around one of my local nature reserves.



I spooked a large flock of Yellowhammers that were feeding on the set aside ground by the footpath, fortunately they didn’t go far and settled high in the trees where they appeared like jewels sparkling in the sunshine.




A small party of Reed Buntings were making their way along the hedgerow and not giving too many photo opportunities as they kept low down amongst the branches. Eventually curiosity must have gotten the better of this female as she popped up for a quick and nervous look, maybe to see what the strange creature following along behind them was!




There were also quite a few Fieldfare and Redwing (and Blackbirds) feeding on the abundant berries along the hedgerow, unfortunately, they are so wary and skittish birds, they always managed to stay safely out of camera range. (After many attempts I’ve still not got any decent images of either Fieldfares or Redwings…one day!!)

Further on around the reserve and I came across a pair of Stonechats using a fence line as a lookout perch to spot and dive down onto any unsuspecting insects. They managed to keep, what they decided was, a safe distance ahead of me by moving along one post at a time. The male did sit still for long enough and allow me to fire off a couple of shots.




As well as the birds mentioned I also saw (unfortunately no decent photographs!) a large flock (50+) of Goldfinch feeding on Teasel heads, a Kestrel perched in a distant tree, an overflying and very vocal Buzzard also numbers of Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow,Blue Tit, Woodpigeon and singles of Wren, Robin and a Great Spotted Woodpecker ‘tapping’ away high up in a dead tree.

And finally… I was treated to a flyby by a fast moving green missile…or maybe it was a Green Woodpecker? I managed to fire off a quick burst of shots and this, massively cropped, is the best one.



If you look closely it appears to have it’s eyes closed…maybe it was scared at the speed it was going or perhaps it was just having a nap with the auto pilot turned on?!!

I was pleased that I made the effort and had a good three hour plus walk in the sunshine (although the breeze was a bit nippy at times) and got to see a good selection of birds. I also didn’t see another human being!!
Oh yeh!…I also saw and photographed quite a few different species of Fungi (wet and dirty knees and elbows time again!) which I’ve yet to properly sort ID’s for…I sometimes wish that I didn’t take so many photographs!

Dorset Holiday 2011 - Part 1

WEEK ONE – ARNE

We arrived at our first week’s accommodation, The School House.  Arne, at exactly the same time as the rain!  After unloading the car in a steady drizzle, and true to the form of the English weather the sun came out. Was this a hint of things to come?

The village of Arne is situated on a peninsular that juts out into Poole harbour and consists of only a few houses (mostly large and secluded),  a small church and Arne Farm which is owned by the RSPB.

The School House is a large Victorian building (built in 1874 by Lord Eldon) with extensive grounds to the rear directly bordering the RSPB Arne reserve with distant views across Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island.

Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island can just be seen in the receeding rain!

 

 As you would expect this is an area very rich in wildlife and daily visits to the grounds included -

Green Woodpeckers (mostly three, sometimes four)

A large "clattering" of Jackdaws

Rabbits (and more Rabbits!)

The ever present Buzzard (pair)

And with a little bird seed for encouragement some of the braver patio visitors -

Dunnock

 Robin (juv.)

A pair of Siskin (this is the male)

 As I mentioned earlier there were lots of Rabbits and one evening my wife witnessed a Buzzard making a kill, unfortunatly I was otherwise engaged! and missed it but we did watch for about 45 minutes as at first one of the pair of Buzzards had a meal before passing it over to the other.

And finally, some visitors that needed no invitation - the not so shy Grey Squirrels!

In the next post the wildlife of the RSPB reserve.

Christmas and New Year outings. Part 2 of 2

                 College Lake, Bulbourne, Buckinghamshire. (03/01/11)

A cold grey morning (0*C) after a light nigh time fall of snow.
We arrived at about 10.30am and walked the whole perimeter of the lake (approx. 2.5 miles) stopping off at many of the numerous hides. The wetlands section was still frozen over but the main lake was ice free. Most noticeable off the many wildfowl was a large group of Wigeon together with Canada Geese grazing on the bank between the lake and wetland areas. The light sadly was not good for photography. I can however highly recommend the tea and cake from the Visitor Center Cafe.

Here are just a few more stars of the show.

Green Woodpecker (female)

Mute Swan

Coot

Canada Goose

And finally the ultimate eco friendly lawn mower, used to keep the grass under control !

Dexter Cattle