Snake Pit - Slash

While the weather has tried to cheer up a little bit over the past couple of days and overnight temperatures stayed above 'zero', there has been precious little to show for it from the Traps. However, having said that, a snoot should not be cocked at a new species for the year so we welcome

WINTER MOTH
to the 2014 List.

Otherwise, things remain fairly quiet except for daily occurrences of

 LITTLE EGRET

only a single for now but we are expecting more?

 REDWING

not numerous but all over the place.

 Fewer in numbers but in good voice

FIELDFARE

which was an addition to the Irrigation Pond List just yesterday.

Yes, sad isn't it!

That was followed by the most welcome sight of no fewer than c7

 BULLFINCH

all males.

Also of interest yesterday was the sighting of a group of Homo Sapians all interested in the Ecology of the property. Goldbeck the German Solar Panel Company are still hell bent on leaving a legacy to wildlife here which continues to include the previously mentioned Chris Sugden. Today he was in company with his brother Rupert, here to carry out a more 'in depth' survey along with 2 people I had not seen for all too long. How many years ago it was since I last clapped eyes on Richard and Beatrice Dopita I don't know, but for sure it was at the Portland Bird Observatory. Staunch members of the Dorset Bat Group (to mention but a few) they were also interested in studying this little known area while erecting a number of Bat Boxes. If nothing else they may prove more Mammal species at PCF, but we also have a couple of other irons in the fire. From my own readings and information they gave me, it seems highly likely that the Bat (s) visiting the Moth Traps earlier in the year were most likely 'Noctule' which will likely be proven in the long run.

Meanwhile, Chris has continued planting what must

now amount to 'thousands' of hedgerow shrubs, in addition

to which he brought a new word to my vocabulary,

HIBERNACULA
from the Latin "tent for winter quarters".

Of the Reptile variety, Chris is seen here digging the first sod then
continued to excavate a depression into which was placed rock rubble.

The mound was then covered with top soil and crowned with turf

leaving small entrances for what will most likely be overwintering Snakes.

The completed
SNAKE PIT
and while on the subject of such things, it was just an instinct that
drove me to take a look under a redundant traffic come at the edge
of one of the grassy areas at the southern end of the farm.

There was found a

FIELD VOLES NEST

and as the creatures were seen to be it residence the cone was
quickly replace allowing then to enjoy their winter's sleep in peace.

 
Also on yesterday's sortie, replenishing the Pond and Bird Table

these c2

PIED WAGTAIL

appeared to be fighting to the death - serious stuff.

They too were left to their Gladiatorial pursuits.

PUFFBALL

was all else on the agenda so it was back to base to continue the Memoirs.

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