A Wild Goose Chase

Remiss of me I know, but the information on the Pale-bellied Brent Goose 'ring return' was sent to me yesterday by Martin Cade, which unfortunately was overlooked. In brief, as the Goose colour ringing project is quite extensive, a short explanation is shown below.

This bird was first ringed at Strangford Lough, Co Down, in October 2009 and spent last winter in Co Kerry, Eire; thanks to Graham McElwaine, the co-ordinator of this marking project, for these details.

Jack Frost had been busy last night, and at first glimps looked like there had been another dusting of snow. The wind had returned to the north and east, making for an extra cold feel, but the saving grace was bright sunlight and an almost clear sky. After the excitement of yesterday, it was back to normal service today with very little of change in the cemetery, except for an increase in Magpie numbers (12), while at Radipole just a few Fieldfare and Redwing were evident.

Pochard a common winter resident.

I know where I'd like this ragged looking juvenile Mute Swan to be on Christmas Day but am not allowed to say!

Another 'colour ringed' bird today, this time a Pied Wagtail. Best efforts will be made to find out its history which we hope to bring you in the future.

In the absence of any other images from today's wander, I am proud to be able to show the seven Orchid photographs submitted by my friend Lorne (Bowie) Edwards to the Hardy Orchid Society Annual Competition. Now, I am certainly no expert on photography, and what I know about Orchids you could write on the back of a postage stamp, but cannot for the life of me understand why not one of these was worthy of a mention at the HOS.

Early Marsh Orchid Purpurella v alba photograph taken in England

Ophrys lacaitae a Sicillean species

The remaining 5 are all Italian and like the Sicillean only have Latin names.

Ophris apulica

Ophris comuta

Ophris speculum

Ophris x incubacia

Ochis tridentata

If you want more, follow the 'link' to Bowie's Web Site
http://www.dorsetorchids.co.uk/

PS

It may be worth mentioning that all prizes were awarded to members of the HOS Committee!