Someone once said of me "you have a Childlike (not to be confused with Child-ISH) enthusiasm for Wildlife" which was taken as a huge compliment. That hasn't changed one IOTA Martin, save for perhaps even more enthusiasm. My firm belief is that neither Life nor Luck will fall into ones lap, both are to be chased vigorously, grabbed by the scruff of the neck then milked for all they are worth. With the metaphoric wooden stool under my arm yesterday morning the mission was both Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Woodlark, the chances being minimal, but 'faint heart never won fair lady' - something known very well! Collecting 2 of the Moth Traps from the wooded area beyond the Farm Yard, it was noted that the
was just about ready for mowing but the Moths were priority, so no time to linger.
Among them were
CRESCENT
not seen personally since the 80's was a great start as an addition to the
Parley Court Farm Moth List.
Next came
MARBLED GREEN
and
which were both additions to the Year List and followed by more
usual fare such as
SINGLE-DOTTED WAVE
MAGPIE
and
and
DUN-BAR
It is unfortunate that a small proportion of our catch fall to waiting predators,
but this Cheeky Little Git a
juvenile
ROBIN
was deep 'inside' one trap securing this hapless
BROAD-BORDERED YELLOW UNDERWING.
As an aside, we have been sent this image by Dave Foot who at his
last visit here took h with him the eggs of a
It is unfortunate that a small proportion of our catch fall to waiting predators,
but this Cheeky Little Git a
ROBIN
BROAD-BORDERED YELLOW UNDERWING.
As an aside, we have been sent this image by Dave Foot who at his
last visit here took h with him the eggs of a
LOBSTER MOTH
which he nurtured and brought to Larval form.
What a Bizarre looking Creature!
which he nurtured and brought to Larval form.
What a Bizarre looking Creature!
During monitoring of the traps a young
SONG THRUSH
looked as if it were crossing the railway lines,
while further on at the Northern part of the property the first returning
while further on at the Northern part of the property the first returning
REED BUNTING
of the year was discovered.
There has been no evidence that breeding has taken place here, in fact
the banks of the River Stour seem to have been devoid of this species
all season.
of the year was discovered.
There has been no evidence that breeding has taken place here, in fact
the banks of the River Stour seem to have been devoid of this species
all season.
A very close encounter with a
COMMON BUZZARD
was the next treat, usually so jittery that they fly off at the
first sign of human activity.
c2 Green Sandpiper followed by yet another encounter with a (the) Cuckoo, thought
to be the same as of recent days, before being blessed with excellent close
views of a daytime flying Nightjar, but without photographic evidence.
Checking the various sheets of corrugated metal and squares of roofing felt
c4 Slow Worms were added to the log by which time it was plainly apparent
that 'second broods' of both
The last record of Lesser Spot here was just outside of our Recording Area
to the north, so thought a good site to check. There was no need to
consult my calendar to confirm the day
as the continuous retorts of small arms fire was enough to confirm it was Sunday.
At the second to last gate before leaving the Heath there were signs of someone trying to gain access which turned out to be Gary Clarke the Herdsman who has small pockets of 'Rare Breeds' Cattle scattered across the County. A most amiable and interesting fella, our all too infrequent encounters are most enjoyable to say the least, so no problem for me to report his c4 Belted Galloways by text each time they are seen. This meet was also very short as he was preparing the Cattle for a Veterinary Inspection, and you know what I was after! A full 30 minute (slow) walk to the bridge spanning the Moors River, where at least Cetti's Warbler was hoped for, but not seen or heard, but there were some interesting way-side Plants to occupy my time.
eye has been kept on the OAK TREES for signs of life this year.
of Fruits, it is unlikely that the quarry would have made me feel any better?
Little Things etc, etc!
BLACKBERRIES
too are ripening as are the berries of the
On my return Gary was met again and this time someone was noticed sat in his
Land Rover. Ever inquisitive (an anagram of 'nosy') I asked who it was and
was quickly introduced to the charming
from Shizuoka, Japan - seen here in company with Gary and his trusty
Airedale Terrier 'Gordon'.
'sayonara' in greeting and the dear lady must have thought I was leaving
as it was remembered later that means 'Goodbye'.
There followed a short period of reminiscing covering her homeland from
and
of Hiroshima
Do you remember the Cherry Blossom in the market square
Do you remember I thought it was confetti in our hair
Kayleigh - Marillion
BULLET TRAINS
from
FUKUOKA in the south to the most northerly town of WAKKANAI
A 'deadly encounter' with the
at his office with the Tokyo Times where he is Fashion Editor.
plus much, much more.
now where have we seen that before?
By the time we parted company my head was in the clouds, a
heady, heady day. In fact as I wandered back across the Heath
I skipped a light fandango and occasionally
turned cartwheels across the floor.
I was also feeling kinda seasick but as ever
the crowd called out for more.
By then the room was humming harder and believe it or not
the ceiling moved away,
so I called out for another drink and yes you've guessed!
the Waiter brought a tray
With eternal thanks to Procol Harum
The day was by no means over, in fact there were still a couple of Goodies left to see!
landed directly in front of the Strange Rover
and a second visit to the Irrigation Pond produced an all too brief
COMMON SANDPIPER
Photo and Video from the archive.
Returning to replace the Moth Traps the Barley had gone.
The Changing Face of Farming
Youngest son Gavin tells me that the 'grain yield' was not high but
but the by-product straw was plentiful.
Neon on my naked skin, passing silhouettes
of strange illuminated mannequins.
Shall I stay here at the zoo
or should I go and change my point of view
for other ugly scenes.
You did what you did to me
now it's history I see
here's my comeback on the road again.
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
it's easy when you're big in Japan
Aah when you're big in Japan-tonight
Big in Japan - Alphaville (Link)
but the by-product straw was plentiful.
Neon on my naked skin, passing silhouettes
of strange illuminated mannequins.
Shall I stay here at the zoo
or should I go and change my point of view
for other ugly scenes.
You did what you did to me
now it's history I see
here's my comeback on the road again.
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
it's easy when you're big in Japan
Aah when you're big in Japan-tonight
Big in Japan - Alphaville (Link)
