Tricks of the Light - Mike Oldfield

High winds occurred once again overnight driving in the predicted pulse of rain which was well established by daybreak. However, despite this there were once again a few (21) Insects in the trap so something to sort through during this dismal morning.

 LIGHT 

was certainly the stumbling block this morning as even this image of the back garden seems to show a reasonable day, but it was chuckin' it down with rain and the dark clouds making for a 'bleak' look! In addition there didn't seem to be a suitable spot to photograph the Moths, so 'second best' will have to suffice today. Mostly 'migrants' (m) obviously these little fellas hadn't seen the weather forecast.

 SILVER Y (m) (3)

 RED-GREEN CARPET (2)

DARK SWORD-GRASS (m)

 FEATHERED THORN

 BLAIR'S SHOULDER-KNOT

RUSTY DOT PEARL (2) (micro m)

Otherwise,  the day did kick off with a 'record' of sorts as my highest count of

COLLARED DOVEs (17)

were seen around the kitchen window feeders.

 This was followed by the daily inspection of the Parley Pond,

best done under the cover of the car, because (I'm a lazy git) that

way any creatures will not be frightened away. That said, this

BLACK-HEADED GULL

had no desire to leave the perch on top of the spoil dug from the waters edge to form the 'scrape'. Looking all together healthy, it is most unusual that these birds allow such close approach unless you're carrying food!

The ALPACAs appeared to be posing for a shot, so why not!

A small improvement in the weather mid-afternoon allowed a
cursory look around Longham Lake with nothing more than
Common Fare to report. Don't let the Blue Sky fool you -
just a trick of the light!

CORMORANTs
were occupying one of their favourite perches high above the
ground on the power cables.

As with Blashford yesterday there were also a good number of
COMMON DARTER
on the wing. This particular specimen seemingly now beyond its
'sell-by date'?
Thanks go to Sheila Edwards for confirming my suspicions.

STONECHAT
here is a common visitor, especially in the winter months but never
confiding enough to 'strike a pose'.

Although most of the reeds have now died off the
GREATER REED MACE
looks a treat along the margins.

This MEADOW PIPIT

was far more confiding than its neighbour back along the path.

GADWALL

LITTLE GREBE (very numerous now)

brought the photographs to an end, but there were also a couple of Pochard, returned from their summer quarters, along with a male Shoveler and Wigeon now well into double figures.

 On no more than a whim, I decided to take a drive up to the north end of the farm on my way back and feel chuffed that I did. Expecting to see MISTLE THRUSH (right) on the turf fields, there was also a bonus by way of the first

FIELDFARE

for this end of the year. As I was out of the country during that period, and missed the early birds, this was a Year Tick for me!

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