Sharp contrast in weather conditions yesterday as we woke to a clear blue sky, no wind and perfect visibility, but the bottom had fallen out of the temperature, which was still at zero and a degree lower on the Heath. However, it was that squeeling piglet (or multipuls thereof) emitting from the banks of
WATER RAILs
(image from the archive for illustration).
Two reasons to stop on the way back to pick up the kit, to stand a stare at the Autumnal
ASH TREES
at the stables, bearing fruit and attracting
at the stables, bearing fruit and attracting
GOLDFINCH
among others, and while our numbers compare nowhere near to those of the many 'hundreds' at the likes of Portland Bill and other coastal Headlands, we secondly tried a
among others, and while our numbers compare nowhere near to those of the many 'hundreds' at the likes of Portland Bill and other coastal Headlands, we secondly tried a
WOOD PIGEON
count which totalled 59 if you don't include our local pair which are still unbeleivably
count which totalled 59 if you don't include our local pair which are still unbeleivably
sitting on a nest. While we know they can and do breed during every month of the year
in Great Britain somehow it still seems a little odd.
in Great Britain somehow it still seems a little odd.
A first Autumn frost but surely not the last time
we will experience this before years end.
Passing the main pond there were 3 new arrival Mute Swans of no photographic value whatsoever as scattered to the four corners. However, with the 4 adults still at the Irrigation Pond and these 4
Passing the main pond there were 3 new arrival Mute Swans of no photographic value whatsoever as scattered to the four corners. However, with the 4 adults still at the Irrigation Pond and these 4
new arrival juveniles on the
Gravel Pit
we had already reach the highest day count of the year and the family of 7 still a prospect along the Moors River.
There were also 2 males and a female
TEAL
Obligingly the Swans remained, making for c18 while taking the opportunity of clocking the new
CHAROLAISE CALVES
in the process. During the rainy season the Heath has been devoid of any visible life at all, but the clear blue sky and an increase to +10°C had coaxed a single
in the process. During the rainy season the Heath has been devoid of any visible life at all, but the clear blue sky and an increase to +10°C had coaxed a single
and vocal
DARTFORD WARBLER
from cover along with a
ditto but silent
STONECHAT
we decided to take the lead from the Genesis classic "I Know What I Like in Your Wardrobe" lyric
It's one o'clock and time for lunch, dum de dum de dum.
When the sun beats down and I lie on the bench I can always hear them talk, cus me I'm just a lawnmower you can tell me by the way I walk - keep them mowing blades sharp!
Until hearing this from the depths of the Old Apple Tree and stopping dead in our tracks!
we decided to take the lead from the Genesis classic "I Know What I Like in Your Wardrobe" lyric
It's one o'clock and time for lunch, dum de dum de dum.
When the sun beats down and I lie on the bench I can always hear them talk, cus me I'm just a lawnmower you can tell me by the way I walk - keep them mowing blades sharp!
Until hearing this from the depths of the Old Apple Tree and stopping dead in our tracks!
The first
Autumn / Winter 2020
FIELDFARE
only a single for now but
surely many, many more to come!
