Butterfly

Perhaps I should not have been surprised to see a butterfly today. I was driving and only got a brief glimpse and spo could not identify the species but it was dark coloured. I have also seen a number of bees flying around over the last few days. With primroses, daffodils and even cow parsley in flower, there is certainly plenty of food available for these unseasonably active insects.

Bird feeders

One of the knock on effects of the exceptionally mild weather has been the absence of birds from the bird feeders. I do get the occasional visits from various tits and robins see each feed station as their own territory, but finches, woodpeckers, nuthatches and the like, see no need to visit as there is such availability of food. The ground is soft so that invertebrates are still accessible to thrushes and the like and there is a great deal of insect life around.
In some ways this is disappointing as it means that the garden is bereft of interesting birdlife but then it can only be good for the overall population levels and so presumably, there will be more birds around to start the breeding season come the spring.

Kestrel aerobatics

We tend to think of the Kestrel as the traditional 'hover bird', but recently I have noticed the individuals in my area are loving the windy conditions and displaying their aerobatic skills to the fullest extent. With only a slight change to their tail or wing positions they can adjust their height and sweep across the sky with apparent ease. A joy to watch.

Out of season wild Flowers

It is said that summer has arrived when you are able to cover twelve daisy flowers with your foot. Yesterday, I was able to cover four such flowers, so, does that mean that summer is on its way? There are many other instances of unseasonal flowers but perhaps the most surprising one I have seen recently was a wild canterbury bell. These usually flower in the late summer along the Pilgrims Way near where I live, (which also explains the origins of their name). The exceptionally mild autumn has been the cause of this. To date, we have had just two nights with frost and even that was not severe. It does leave you wondering what this will hold for the prospects of these plants flowering normally come the spring and summer.

Reappearing Birds

Following five days when hardly a bird was to be seen, it was with some relief that the last two days have seen their return. The reason for their apparent absence was the prevalence of high winds. The only birds to be seen were to the usual magpies, carrion crows, jackdaws and gulls. Presumably, these birds are better able to deal with high winds whilst the small birds seek the shelter of cover and perhaps lower ground.

Close up sparrow hawk

I frequently see sparrow hawks flying low along the lanes and skimming hedgerows or flighting across gardens. Today whilst on the lane, a male sparrowhawk flew down towards me and then landed on a branch just about eight meters from where I was. I couldn't believe that the bird had not seen me or my dog. It sat there staring at me probably as bemused by the experience as I was before it turned its head and was gone. They do not happen that frequently but such unexpected close up encounters with wild creatures never fail to delight me.

Fieldfares

The fieldfares are now a constant chattering presence. They are feeding in the hedgerows and on the newly cleared scrubland where they are joined by a flock of about thirty chaffinches. I have seen them feeding on haws and rowan berries. Surprisingly perhaps, I have seen no sign as yet of any redwings.

Ring neck Parakeet first

For the first time since moving here, a ring neck parakeet flew over the garden . It was calling loudly and was unmistakable. I just wonder how long it will be before they are fully established in this area and what the consequences will be for the local starling population.

Owl Chorus

On a frosty evening walk, the number of tawny owls calling was quite staggering.I think I counted at least six different individuals. Not only that, but one bird flew down the lane and came quite close before veering away and flying over a rooftop. This signifies a very healthy population here on the edge f the North Downs, suggesting also a healthy vole population.

Woodcock and rutting stag

I was down in Wedge Wood today and besides seeing some unseasonal flowers, the highlight was seeing that woodcock have returned to the woods. Dylan (my dog) sped off into the woods at one point and returned at speed. Soon afterwards I could hear what sounded like a dog barking. As it seemed unlikely that anyone else was in the woods, I decided to investigate. With Dylan on a lead, I slowly made my way through the trees to be able to ascertain that the barking was coming from a stag.

Singing skylark

With the wind still blowing, I was surprised to hear a skylark singing on one of the lower fields. Others were flying around almost as if they were in courtship mode.

Large flocks

Whilst out today battling the strong winds, I first disturbed a flock, not a word a would normally use for these birds, of some twenty magpies. Shortly afterwards, walking over the brow of the hill to the large open fields that lie below the North Downs, I counted over a hundred crows feeding. These are exceptionally large numbers and I wonder if it was the weather conditions that had brought these birds together

Birds are singing again

Whether or not it is due to the unseasonably mild weather, or just simply that birds are over their moults, I have noticed bird song once again. Blackbirds, robins and song thrushes are beginning to regale us with their memorable notes. This comes as a very welcome contribution to the sounds of the countryside as winter waits around the corner.

Unexpected birds on Madiera

On my second visit to Madeira I did expect to see wild canaries as they are almost as common there as house sparrows once were in the UK. What I did not expect to see were waxbills. To see a flock of around thirty of these diminutive birds feeding on seeding grassedss was a real delight. They were clearly accustomed to humans and allowed me to approach to within just a few feet. I would identify them as red-eared or common waxbills. They certainly had the expected red ear stripe and some displayed a surprising amount of red down their breasts. I know that Madeira is off the coast of Africa but it would still be a prodigious achievement for such small birds to manage such a flight and so I wonder if they are from escaped cage birds or hitched a lift on a ship. I also saw the evening flight of a single ring necked parakeet, which suggests that escapees are not that unusual.

Harassed Birds of Prey

The birds of prey in my area are not getting everything their own way at the moment. Recently I have seen a buzzard with sixteen crows mobbing it. As the crows are not currently nesting this was quite surprising behaviour. The buzzard did not appear to be carrying any catch and so the crows were unlikely to gain much from the attack. They were very persistent and I watched their pursuit for at least fifteen minutes.
The following day I saw a sparrow hawk travelling low to the ground at high speed, with a crow chasing close behind. The hawk was twisting and turning to evade the crow which showed remarkable ability to maintain its chase.

Autumn

I recently reported the first arrival of winter visitors (fieldfares), but today I saw butterflies and dragonflies in the garden. It is not what you expect in to see in the UK when it is almost November but following a cold start, the temperature rapidly rose and it turned into a beautiful sunny day with a magnificent sunset.

First winter visitors

A flock of nineteen fieldfares flew over the allotment this morning. These are the first winter migrants I have seen and follow only a few days after I saw a small party of swallows.

Late Swallows

A small party of six swallows flew over the house today. They were flying fast and in a direct line, clearly on migration. I presume they were birds that had seen a late brood reach independence prior to setting out. The weather is quite cold and there are few insects flying and so there would be little food or comfort for them. I saw some two weeks ago on the coast in Sussex and assumed them to be the last I would see this year.

Returning Skylarks

The skylarks, having completed their breeding cycle suddenly disappeared from the fields around my home. They have now returned. There are about ten individuals, which I take to be family parties and they are feeding on the stubble fields. One even broke briefly into song the other day as the autumn temperature rose to summer levels, but generally they fly around in a flock calling incessantly. The only mystery is: Where did they go to for the month or so whilst they were absent?

Lapwings evading Peregrine

Pagham Harbour  - I watched a peregrine flying at a flock of around thirty lapwings. The falcon made a couple of cursory swoops at the flock and then managed to separate a single bird. I fully expected the hawk to pursue this vulnerable individual, but it allowed it to regain the safety of numbers. The hawk then began rapid wing beats and was clearly attempting to rapidly gain height. As it is normal for peregrines to swoop down upon their prey, this seemed to be a sensible action, however, what surprised me was the fact that the flock of lapwings merely flew higher (with fewer wing beats, it has to be said) and kept the hawk at the same altitude. This tactic proved to be successful and the peregrine flew into the distance.

lizards

In the last few weeks I have been privileged to see several lizards. Some of them have been slow worms (a legless lizard), but I have also seen two other lizards which is a much more unusual sighting. The first one was seen running across the track that leads to Wedgewood, whilst the second I came across whilst moving some fencing stakes that I had previously stacked down the lane from home. These are beautiful UK animals yet rarely seen or appreciated..
Today, Dylan, the dog, was very interested in a creature in the hedgerow. As lots of pheasant poults have recently been released, I felt it likely that he had discovered one in hiding. I then saw a creature move  along the hedge bottom. Intrigued, I encouraged him to continue his investigations, watching closely for further movement. The result, a large rat ambled its way through the undergrowth. It was probably too fat to move quickly having been feasting on the post harvest gleanings along with the many woodpigeons. Fortunately, Dylan quickly lost interest.

Missing Birds

There have been recent reports of declining bird numbers, yet the birds mentioned, such as skylarks, and yellowhammers, have bred very successfully here this spring. There have been about six pairs of each in the locality, along with very many finches: including greenfinch, goldfinch, bullfinch and linnet.
However, many of these birds have recently disappeared. This has also happened to the little owls that bred here. I have no doubt that they have simply moved on after the breeding season and I did see a flock of goldfinches yesterday with many 'grey pates', the immature birds.

Two Peregrines

Two peregrine falcons flew over head this morning. One was following close behind the other. They were flying at speed in a straight line with one of them continuously calling as it went. They were heading in a westerly direction which suggests that they were not migrating. They did appear to be flying with a purpose. There are so many wood pigeons around at the moment, as the wheat is being harvested, it would be great if the falcons stuck around to feast on some of them.

Six Red Kites

Driving past Botley Hill Farm today saw six red kites soaring over the fields. It seems that the kite is well and truly established in Surrey.

Goshawk

My dog chased a goshawk off a part eaten rabbit on the slopes of the downs. This is the first time I have seen this hawk in the area. I cannot of course be sure whether it caught the rabbit, of which there are very many on the downs, or, whether it was scavenging. When I distracted the dog and continued the walk, some magpies assembled and were devouring the carcass. The next morning the rabbit5 was gone, but this is hardly surprising given the number of foxes in the area.

Goldfinches on Knapweed

Managed to get some photos of a pair of goldfinches feeding on the seeds of a cultivated knapweed in my garden. A cock bullfinch was seen the next day feeding on the seeds of some violas. These seem to be particularly tiny seeds for a bird with such a relatively large beak.

Fragrant blossoms

Whilst the Mock Orange (Philadelphus) blossoms are engulfing the garden with their fragrance; out on the downs it is the wild Privet that fills the air with its scent. Meanwhile you cannot fail to be entranced by the view of masses of orchids.
A local farmer has seeded the edges of his wheat fields with poppies. It is possible to tell that these have been deliberated placed here as many of the flowers are of the cultivated himalayan type. Their purple contrasts sharply with the deep red of the native plants. They are at their best in the morning and with the current heatwave, they have virtually disappeared by the evening. Some regular dog walkers may not even be aware of the splendid sight they are missing.
Goldfinches and linnets are feeding in the nearby rape field, and although the sowthistle are part of the diet, I have clearly seen both species feeding upon the cultivated plants.

Elusive deer

Despite extensive searches for signs of deer in the neighbourhood of my new home, no slots, or droppings were discovered. Then, this morning, driving down the lane, an adult Muntjac deer caually crossed the road in front of me. They are known to be secretive creatures, but I have xclearly been looking in the wrong places.

Fledgling Green Woodpecker

Out walking the dog today, he went ahead and all of a sudden there came the panicked cries of something he had disturbed. Running up I soon saw that he was shepherding a large fledgling bird. It was a green woodpecker and it was making a huge amount of noise for such a relatively small bird. Catching it up, it became clear that it had some damage to the top of its head. This appeared to be largely superficial, so I placed it into a horse paddock, hopefully out of harm's way, where it rapidly sought cover. Hopefully its parents will have found it and continued to supply it with food until it is able to fly properly.

Strange Sounds

For the last few days I have been puzzled by some strange sounds emanating from the garden of a house round the corner. Then I saw a pair of little owls. Although the examples of their calls on the internet are not similar, I am convinced that it is these birds that are making all the noise. I suspect that they have young either in the nest or just out of the nest and are warning of predators, of which there are several possible suspects in the area.
Great to see these little birds so close to home.

Red Kite again.

I was amazed today to see a red kite soaring on thermals above the garden in my new home (Trottiscliffe, Kent). It was quite low down when first sighted but within just two minutes it was a mere speck in the sky. This second sighting suggests that there may be a resident population in the county.
Years ago when living in mid Wales I would see up to fifteen kites during the winter months when it was just about the only place in the UK where they could be seen, I never expected to see one over my home in Kent.

Mobbed Buzzard

Just returned from walking the dog along the North Downs. A buzzard flew along the edge of the downs with a creature (tail dangling) in its talons. It was quickly mobbed by several crows and then a sea gull. Although the buzzards are regularly mobbed, these birds appeared to be intent on getting the buzzard to release its captive. The buzzard appeared to take little notice of the chasing birds. This seems to confirm that the buzzards are nesting just a couple of miles to the east of here.
Another encounter with a fledgling: A tiny bird flew within six inches of my face. I am pretty sure it was a very young chiffchaff.

Skylarks in the Wind

I have recently moved house and the fields opposite are full of skylarks. For the first time in my life, I am living in a house where I can wake to sound of skylarks singing; a dream come true.
Previously I have tended to come across these birds in the welsh mountains where they tend to sing almost continuously at this time of year. Here I am noticing that they sing the most in the early morning, no doubt re-establishing their territories, and that they tend not to sing when it is windy. It is windy most of the time in the Black Mountains of Wales and so I can only presume that the welsh skylarks have adapted their behaviour to cope with the wind.

Weasel

A weasel carrying what looked like a vole ran across the lane in front of me. The vole looked to be almost as big as the weasel. I presume it has a nest with young and disappeared into the thick hedge.

Rescued Fledgling Goldcrest

Yesterday morning going into the garden, I saw what I thought to be Dylan (the dog) playing with a large butterfly. He was mouthing and pawing at the poor creature which was clearly trying to escape his attentions. I ran down and shouted at him to leave it alone when I suddenly realised that it was a fledgling bird. The tiny bird appeared to be uninjured and, with the dog safely housed indoors, I placed it in the deeper part of one of the hedging leylandii. A parent bird appeared, calling to its young and I could then positively identify the young bird as a goldcrest.
Sadly, once the breeding season is complete, these trees are due to be felled. I shall look to retain one or two to afford future breeding sites for the goldcrests, but they shade the garden too much to remain.

Just back from Malawi

Ten days in Malawi has convinced me that this must be the best bird watching destination in the world. Not only are there an amazing variety of birds to be seen (some of them endemic) but it is so relatively easy to get up close to many of the birds. In addition, whilst watching the birds, I saw a herd of forty five elephants and too many hippo to count. The light was fantastic so have amassed hundreds of photos some of which should prove to be very good.

Red Kite in Kent

Saw my first red kite in Kent. It was flying over the fields between the M20 and M26 motorways. Did not appear to be in any hurry to move on, but suspect it is a late bird on migration. Hope it is one that is staying around and finds a mate.

First Swallows

Saw my first swallows of the year today. A flock of around twenty were taking flies from near the surface of the Hotel lake. Sedge warblers could also be heard in the reedbeds whilst the first young coots of the year were venturing around the fringes. A canada goose stood guard near a nest in which eggs were visible though I could see only the one bird.

Spectacular Spring Flowers

I don't think I have ever seen so many spring flowers as this year. The woods are full of wood anemonies, and blue bells are just breaking. The violets are outstanding in their various forms, whilst the embankments are covered in either primroses or cowslips.
If this what we might expect from global warming, with its mild winters, then it does indeed offer some compensation.

Breeding Kingfishers

The stream that winds its way along the edge of the wood, is only small. Just too wide to easily jump across, but today, whilst watching a trout (a rare sighting); a kingfisher swept passed with a small fish in it beak. The bird was either taking this to a nest with young or to its mate. I have yet to find a nesting hole and suspect that it is further up stream on a section that is unaccessible to the public.

Violets/Greenfinches

This is the time of year I love the best. There are violets everywhere  and it is astonishing to see the range of varieties that grow in this area. At one spot, there is a beautiful combination of white and blue violets. Most spring flowers tend to be yellow so to have such dark beauties to admire adds a different dimension to a walk in the countryside.
I am pleased to see a pronounced increase in the number of greenfinches around. Having been recently decimated by disease, it is clear to see that they are quite resilient and quick to recolonise deserted areas.

3 Different Butterflies

Seeing three different types of butterfly this morning has convinced me that spring is truly here. Brimstone was followed by a cabbage white and then a peacock.
Also saw a kingfisher, the first seen on the little stream for some weeks, could they be breeding here? The mystery is where they could have their nesting hole.

How do Spring Migrants Cope?

We are experiencing very variable weather at the moment. Things are changing in the range of three seasons in one day. Yet for the last week, I have been regaled on my early morning walks with the constant reminder of the arrival of a chiffchaff. Singing its repetitive notes from high in the tree tops, this bird appears to be ready to settle in the wood and establish a territory. But how does such a small seemingly delicate warbler survive in these conditions? Presumably it is accustomed to meeting with very cold night time temperatures on the African continent during its winter sojourn there, but there you would expect it to be able to find ample food sources during daylight hours. Here it is sometimes meeting winter conditions during the day and you would imagine that there are few insects around. Certainly they appear should the sun emerge. Bumblebees have been out and about for some weeks now and clouds of midges appear with the sun but on some days, my feeble eyes are unable to see any minute life. Clearly the chiffchaff has its strategies to survive, but it is for me one of the surprises of nature.

Tree Dwelling Rabbits

In the fields near my home there are several trees with an inordinate amount of basal growth. Over the years, this has increased the effective diameter of the trees by a very significant amount. Now the the stem growth has a depth of several feet and is not only thick but also full of accumulated fallen leaves.
Yesterday my dog was giving chase to a rabbit when I was astonished to see the rabbit jump up into the tree and disappear. On closer inspection it became apparent that there was a network of tunnels within the basal growth. Examining the other trees I could see the same phenomenon. The tunnels extend to about five feet from the ground making these truly tree dwelling rabbits.

I am sure this behaviour must be replicated elsewhere but I have never seen its like before.

Strange Rabbit Behaviour

Recently I have seen a buzzard on the edge of the wood and perched close to grazing rabbits which appeared to be completely unconcerned about its presence. This morning the buzzard was on the ground not five meters away from a rabbit.
I suspect that the buzzard is using the field to hunt for worms. What is more difficult to understand is why the rabbits are not responding in their usual manner to the close presence of such an obvious predator. Clearly they have become habituated to the buzzard's presence, but for one to be allowed to get so close is behaviour I have never previously observed.

Singing Chiffchaff

This morning listened to Bill Oddie on the BBC with 'Tweet of the Day': a chiffchaff. Later went to the Castle Lake and heard my first chiffchaff of the year. Bill described it as his herald of spring. Unlike the blackcap I heard the other day, this bird must be a genuine spring migrant.
Six shovellers and great crested grebe were others amongst common water birds on the lake.

Singing Blackcap

The sound of summer came early when this morning I heard a blackcap singing from high in a tree. It was a beautiful spring morning and down by the stream that fringes the wood. The song I heard was quite different form the usual thrushes, robins and wrens that are currently plentiful and vociferous. It was a fairly tatty looking bird and the song was far from being the relatively melodious song of later in the year, but unmistakable. I suspect this bird to be an overwintered specimen likely to be heading north to its breeding grounds within the next week or so. But, it could be an early arrival.

Albino Jackdaw

Walking beside the river Stour near Dedham in Essex a flock of approximately fifty jackdaws descended on the water meadows. Amongst them was a pure white bird. I presume it was an albino but was too distant to see any eye colour.

Rabbit-friendly Buzzard

For the last few mornings, there has been a buzzard on the edge of the wood. The first morning it appeared, the rabbits which would normally be in the field beyond the wood, were all taking shelter beneath the trees. But on the following mornings, it was noticeable that the rabbits had resumed their normal grazing behaviours. This morning, the buzzard was perched on a fallen tree in the field. Within twenty yards of it, rabbits could be seen happily grazing. They moved around in their normal fashion and the buzzard appeared to completely ignore them.
My interpretation of this is that perhaps the fully grown rabbits were too large a prey for the buzzard who was looking for smaller rodents and perhaps even worms on the damp field. Over just a few days, the rabbits had presumably become habituated to the presence of the buzzard and no longer recognised it as a threat.

Singing Skylark

Spent this morning walking the shoreline at Graveney overlooking the Isle of Sheppey. No Brent Geese, but lots of wading birds, most of them too far out on the mud flats to identify. On the marshes, besides the lapwings, there were skylarks and one rose in the cold wind to sing an early season song.

Chaffinches singing

The true sound of spring. Chaffinches have been in song for the last few days. The first ones I heard were only singing a partial version of their full song, but yesterday, I heard the full version sung.
This is considerably earlier than when I would expect to hear this glorious sound.

Drumming Woodpeckers

I always find that one of the first sounds of spring is the drumming of the greater spotted woodpecker. I heard my first one on Tuesday and then I heard them in every woodland. I wonder if it is the change in weather and light that stimulates them all to begin at the same time, or, is it that one male starts to establish a territory and so others have to respond. Whichever is the answer, it is a marvel that we can go from almost silence at midday to almost constant drumming in the space of just a couple of days.

Birds feeding for colour

I have often considered the feeding preferences of certain birds and wondered whether or not this related to the colour of the birds. Recently I saw for the first time, bullfinches feeding upon the seeds of Buddleia. I have previously seen them feeding upon the seeds of Buttercups, could the flower colour be passed on to enhance the feather colour of the birds? It is well known that canaries kept in captivity can be turned to a red feathered variation through the means of colour feeding. Redpolls, siskins and goldfinches all commonly feed upon the sees of alder trees, these are noted for their redness.

Disappearing Wren

Walking through the wood, a tiny speck of brown flew past low to the ground. About ten meters away it disappeared into a clump of ferns. It struck me that I had seen a lot of wrens of late and decided to investigate this one further. Slowly and quietly approaching the clump, I saw no sign whatsoever of fleeing bird. Puzzled, I began to doubt what I had seen wondering if it had actually been a mouse skipping across the surface. I called over my dog (Dylan) as he has a nose that he readily pokes into grassy tufts sniffing out voles. As anticipated, he need little encouragement to thrust his snout deep into the ferns. Three times he did this, and I thought the bird must have flown unseen, when suddenly out and away it flew. That a wren should hide so tenaciously in such a small bit of cover really surprised me.
The abundance of wrens is no doubt a consequence of our mild winters. The morning I saw the wren, also saw the first settling snow I had seen here for two years. It barely covered and ground and disappeared in very short time.

Mixed bag of wildfowl

The small lake was partially covered by ice today which meant that the wildfowl were concnetrated in one area. This was a first sighting here of Gadwall of which there were several. Shovellers, Pochard, tufted duck and usual crowd of coots. A kingfisher flashed past and then returned giving me a great viewing as it sped across the lake.

Nesting Magpies

Although it is bitterly cold with a continuous threat of snow (none yet); a magpie was observed pulling sticks out of the tall shrubs in the garden. Otherwise, the early flowering plants are taking a bit of a battering from the elements, but no other signs of spring.

Egret and Kingfisher

On the stream this morning was the usual egret, but as I disturbed this single hunting bird, was surprised that a kingfisher flew up from just a few yards downstream. Could the kingfisher be hoping to benefit from the activities of the wading bird?

Kamikaze Rabbit

The stream that runs through the wood has a small and narrow ancient bridge crossing. This morning, Dylan (my dog) sensing something in the wood across the stream, went flying up and pout of sight. Soon afterwards, whilst standing on the bridge, I saw a rabbit hurtling down the path in my direction closely followed by the dog. Upon seeing me, the rabbit leapt into the air and hit me with a glancing blow to my thigh.
Neither the rabbit, dog or myself were injured in this unusual episode.

Changed redwing behaviour

I don't understand why Chris Packham failed to correct his co-presenter on BBC Winterwatch last night. Claiming that Crossbills can only be seen in Scotland is ridiculous.

The local redwings have noticeably changed their behaviours over recent days. During the days of heavy frost, they have been largely confined to the woods. There they have been engaged in leaf-turning, accompanied by blackbirds. Today, on a milder morning, they were on one of the fields pastured by horses. There must have been plenty of food available as about one hundred of them were confined to a very small area. Amongst them was a flock of chaffinches.

Two egrets

A second egret has appeared along the stream through the wood. The two birds can frequently be seen together with one standing on guard whilst the other hunts. Whether it is because of this or simply the nature of these two birds, is not clear but, they are very much more approachable than previous specimens seen at this site.
They always, perhaps not surprisingly walk upstream when hunting. Unfortunately, I have yet to see them them catch anything, though their continued presence suggests that there is ample food available to them.
This morning they landed upon the muddy path ahead of me, and one of the birds was probing into the mud. That was until Dylan (my dog) caught sight of them and fruitlessly gave chase.