My Generation - The Who

It was the temperature last night that could have failed us but no, the Insects (and others) keep visiting the traps. Contrary to that, the first 2 Moths encountered this morning were nowhere near the traps but were in fact found on the house walls.

The spectacular
MERVIELLE du JOIR
is still present as a garden resident but likely from further afield

The Migrant
DARK SWORD-GRASS

NOVEMBER MOTH

and CHESTNUT are now almost daily.

Several species of FLY, mostly numerous, are also daily but

HARVESTMAN SPIDER

is just an occasional visitor. While it intrigues me as to how this creature got into the trap, even more baffling are the number of small Slugs that are now managing to reach the floor of the traps???? With much still going on around the farm, all of interest to me, most of the day was spent just wandering and catching up with the progress.

These 2 MUTE SWANs seem to have taken up residence at
Parley Pond, with the bird right being 'ringed' while the left is not.

 At the PARLEY EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

modernisation continues apace with the new Stable Block
getting close to completion.

Before leaving this area, I should offer belated congratulations to Equestrian Manager, Jane Wyatt, on achieving an 8th place in the recent Horse of the Year Show where she has been 2 times Champion in the past. While there is little in the way of progress that 'meets the eye', things are already taking shape on the biggest project here for many a year.

Already, a top layer has been removed for what will be the

first 'run' of cables for the proposed 

Solar Panel Farm.

All the Maize has now been cropped and

the Irrigation System stowed away for the winter period,

while Plant and Aggregate alike

have been transported here also for the first 100 acres of the
Solar Project.

All of these areas, previously laid to Turf will soon be turned over to Power Generation which includes ???? panels in all covering some ???? acres. It is hoped to keep you updated on this from time to time!

and finally, the Great Wall of Harbins is now completed

and Open to Visitors (China is already getting concerned).

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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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Hotel Hobbies - Marillion

Another special end to yesterday as 7 of us celebrated Daryl's birthday (for about the 6th time) at the splendid

TERRAVINA HOTEL RESTAURANT

on the edge of the NEW FOREST.

 Unfortunately, Sam was cut out of this group shot but we will
make amends in a moment. From left Hugh, Cath, HRH,
Daryl, Janet and Gavin.

 Sam was guarding the impressive cellar.

 Here's to you ALL!

 Queen Scallops
Wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the King?

A delightful bottle of Hungarian Red.

A good job that an early start was made today as by noon the heavy rain showers and high wind had once again set in. Only c2 Moths in the trap this morning, both Beaded Chestnut, but not that I was going very far just the 15 minutes drive to Blashford in Hampshire where things were a bit quiet on the wildlife front but there's always SOMETHING to see!.

Not as much 'Leaf Fall' as one might imagine for the time of year.

The reports have been of Goosander, Ruddy Duck, Bittern and
Marsh Tit being on the reserve in recent days, but unfortunately I
was not to see any of these. Things did start well with at least one

COAL TIT

after which I was happy to snap away at just about anything and

present here as things were seen.

NUTHATCH

seemingly another COAL TIT

BLUE TIT

and Dragonflies still on the wing, most unexpected.

NUTHATCH

'horned' PHEASANT

along with 'dehorned' PHEASANT

BANK VOLE

COAL TIT again

GOLDFINCH

and then a welcome surprise the 'long staying'

GREAT WHITE EGRET
appeared briefly from the bushes,

 

had a short scuffle with this GREY HERON, disappearing as
quickly as it had appeared.

It seemed strange to see 'Dragonflies' around as late as November

but these COMMON DARTER

were not simply flying around but also ovipositing (laying eggs).

NUTHATCH returning to the nut feeders.

DUNNOCK

CHAFFINCH

WIGEON

this male already in splendid full 'winter plumage',

while this male continues the 'moult'.

female WIGEON

No difficulty getting close to the ROBIN here.

and finally, out it came again as in a farewell fly-past.

GREAT WHITE EGRET

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