Fallow Deer

Wheatear, RW

Barn Owl, RW

Osprey and Raven, RW, 19th March

03(97) back for his 12th season. Just a few hours after arriving back from his winter quarters a Raven decided to try its luck. You never appreciate a Ravens size and bulk until you see one next to an equally large bird.

Bittern, RW

The 2 Bitterns were hanging on but the last time i saw one was at 06.15 on the 18th March.

Bittern and Otter, RW, 3rd March

Having not seen either of the 2 regular Bitterns the previous 2 nights i was beginning to wonder whether they had migrated even though the weather had not been ideal. However just before dark a Bittern walked out into an area of cut reeds and displayed like mad. No other Bittern was visible although an Otter did pass by shortly after wards. It settled down on the waters edge and was still visible at 7.30pm silhouetted against the water. Was it one of the 2 regulars (they always roosted in the reed-heads) or was it a passing migrant?

Otter, RW, 2nd March

It did exactly the same as last night - scent marked on a runaway tern raft. A large individual (pres' male) with a very strong tail.

Woodlouse Spider, RW, 27th Feb

A slow moving but imposing beast. The huge fangs are used to great effect on Woodlouse which are mostly hunted at night. This one was on the front doorstep at midday so it was a good opportunity for a closer look.

Displaying Smew, RW, 21st Feb

Bitterns, RW, 21st Feb

Expecting to see the usual 2 Bitterns come to roost i was pleasantly surprised to see 4. The previous 2 nights had been extremely cold with snow during the day so i guess the extra 2 had been forced to move from elsewhere.

Wallcreeper, Les Alpilles, Feb 2010

Another winter visit to south-east France to soak up a few goodies. Unfortunately the very strong sub-zero northerly wind made life very difficult for us and the birds. After 3 days of cloud, rain and wind our moral was low and all four of us were placed on suicide watch. The wind eventually eased and the sun shone as we drove back to the airport...... At least England was a humid 3c when we returned.

Fluttering about under the overhangs like a Red Admiral butterfly while on the lookout for a hidden fly or chrysalis. Every possible nook and cranny is searched and sometimes it appears as though the creeper is attached to the rocks by an invisible line.

Displaying Greater Flamingos