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!

You're So Smooth Link

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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