Thursday 4 June 2015

Smooth - Carlos Santana feat Rob Thomas

OLD MOTHER HEN
was in the Solar Panel Compound again early this morning, but now instead of like the past 28 days just needing to spot the 'sitting' Little Ringed Plover, there is a whole 'covey' of tiny birds to find. There was also a worrying silence as, since the eggs have hatched, both parent birds have been as vocal as you like, but it was how it remained for the first 30 minutes of today's vigil. Relocating the St-Range Rover close to one of the remaining puddles of rain, that now very distinctive 'call' was heard so at least something was here. 10 minutes later later both adults were located and soon after found to be in company with just
THREE
of the 4 nestlings
but were all seen to be
EATING
DRINKING
and even
ABLUTING
We are rarely pessimistic, but something just didn't seem to be right
as we continued with the Moth Traps and other things.
Considered a very good start for the day
PINE HAWK-MOTH
and a
PRIVET HAWK-MOTH
Another example of variation within the species
WHITE ERMINE
with none too prominent spots
and a second
far more distinctive black markings.
and a 'close cousin'
BUFF ERMINE
POPLAR HAWK-MOTH
now becoming daily
SCORCHED CARPET
TREBLE LINES
and the biggest surprise of them all
a tardy
CLOUDED DRAB
thought we'd seen the last of them!
A hour and a half in the sorting, the traps were left behind and
a quiet approach to the Irrigation Pond
paid dividends with undisturbed
Buck and Doe
ROE DEER
In company and not seen on the property for many a day a
couple of
GREYLAG GEESE
GOLDFINCH NEST
looking all too prominent to last long.
Towards the Heath and well worth a longer look,
across the Moors River (foreground)
neighbouring Farmer Greg's
CHAROLAIS
have proved productive.
At Merritown Gate the sky was alive with Common Swift,
an estimated 200, but half way along the main path something a
little more interesting, the 'call' of a
WOODLARK
c2 in fact which proceeded me along the path.
Almost reaching the T junction they, along with a further c3,
took to the wing landing again only briefly for the shots.
It is considered, even on these brief views, that these are
Juvenile Birds.
(comments please)
First for the Year

SMALL HEATH BUTTERFLY
before heading off to investigate this fenced-off area. Only a theory but,
might this not be to compare the grazed and non-grazed areas
BELTED GALLOWAY CATTLE
in the background.
Whatever, some interest has been shown in this spot before with
residue including a road bollard and a sheet of corrugated metal.
Under the latter was what is a 'LIFER' for me,
(I really do need to get out more often)
as this is the very first
SMOOTH SNAKE
to meet my eyes
which didn't even bother to run away!
SMOOTH!
Man, it's a hot one
Like seven inches from the midday sun
Well, I hear you whisper and the words melt everyone
But you stay so cool!
Give me your heart, make it real - or Else Forget About It
Suspicions
have been the order of the day at the
Main Solar Panel Compound at the moment,
that
WHEATEAR
may be breeding here, but it must be pointed out, still far from proven!
We are alert to their movements.
CARRION CROW
is always in attendance inside the Compound,
but by no means the only predator.
Additionally, the
LAPWING
there are still to make their minds up.
They have gone through all the palaver of displaying and nest clearing
but as yet no signs of action.
We'll keep you posted!
Newly described to science the
Vapour-trail Gull.
Always nice to end a Post with a little mirth, this sent to us by one of
our Regular Readers, is thought to be most amusing!
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