Hobbies again

This evening proved to be perfect as the may bugs were out in force. With such a huge force against them, it is hard to believe that any survive to reproduce, but clearly they are very successful.
I was able to identify three distinct individual hobbies, though as they fly back and forth over the wood, it is difficult to be certain that there aren't more,
Their rapid wing beats followed by a glide, contrast sharply with the languid gliding and slow wing beats of the gulls. Magpies joined with the other crows, chasing their prey along the ground.
This would be a great filming opportunity for the Spring Watch team.

Nature's spectacle

It has begun again. The first indication as I walk out on a warm summer's evening is the emotive calling of gulls. As I approach, the birds themselves can be seen behaving in a most unusual manner. Circling close to trees, they look almost as if they wish to roost in these inappropriate perching places. I then notice that there are a number of corvids amongst the gulls. Then it becomes apparent that all of the birds are hunting. The gulls, suddenly diving close to the ground, or swivelling in the air, to take flying prey. It is one of the strangest sights I have ever seen, yet it is just the prelude to an even greater spectacle. Emerging over the tree tops flies a hobby, then two, then three and then four birds. They join the gulls, but in comparison make their efforts appear clumsy. Whatever they are catching, the small falcons take them in their claws and then transfer the catch to their beaks in mid-flight. I watch spellbound as the birds circle the field, swooping swallow like. The ariel display continues until the light fades and first the rooks, crows and jackdaws depart; followed closely by the herring gulls, and then the hobbies fly westwards to their roost. The spectacle is over for another day, but whilst the may bugs continue to emerge, there is always the promise of another sighting. On my way home, I observe a little owl joining in the feast.

Avocets

Walking along Southport pier today was somewhat taken aback to see a small flock of avocets down on the beach. There was a large flock of other, smaller birds, but without binoculars it was impossible to identify them.

At home yesterday I saw the kingfisher again and this time near a hole in the bank of the stream. It really would be something if there is a pair looking to breed here.

Unexpected Kingfisher

I often frequent environments which you might consider to be ideal for kingfishers; the River Wye, and my local lakes. It came as quite a surprise the see one on the little stream that flows through my local wood. I walk here most days and have never seen any sign of this bird before. Similarly, I recently saw a tree creeper near this stream. To see this bird now suggests that it is breeding nearby, yet, even though I walk here regularly, this is the first specimen of its kind I have come across.
A little while ago I posted a picture of Dylan (my dog) chasing a canada goose from its nest. This nest was in a very exposed position on a plateau overlooking the recently filled sand quarry. It appeared to be a site open to predation. I am pleased to be able to report that on Sunday, I saw the two parent birds, shepherding their four cygnets on the water, safe and sound.

Myxamatosis

I was walking with my dog Dylan in the Forest of Dean the other day when he managed to catch two rabbits. He occasionally catches a rabbit, but in this case, his chase was very short, as the rabbits had no chance to escape as the disease had blinded them. I put both animals out of their misery. It is a terrible disease and there are much better means available to control the rabbit population.
On a better note, I heard the song of a wood warbler for the first time in many years.

Goose nest

Went back to the flooded quarry, and on a grassy plateau Dylan disturbed a Canada Goose revealing four eggs.
Also glimpsed what I suspect was the Curlew Sandpiper, so perhaps there is a breeding pair. They are draining

the lake as it is polluted with sewage, though the intention is to re-fill it. We shall see.

Goshawk

I never cease to wonder at the possibilities that technology can afford us.
The other morning I was walking my dog in the woods at Symonds Yat and watched a male goshawk. To begin with, he was perched high in a tree but then moved to another branch before taking his leave which afforded me the spectacle of watching the bird's fantastic ability to navigate between trees at speed.
Later that same day, I was 150 miles away walking my dog on the North Downs in Kent listening to skylarks, blackcaps, whitethroats, yellow hammers and linnets singing away.