Saturday, 25 August 2012

Immature Spoonbill, RW, 2 July



It often sought company with the large gulls and could easily be missed among them.

2 CY Caspian Gull, RW, 16 July




Tufted Duck family - RW - 16 June





Great-crested Grebes, RW, 13 June



This pair lost two clutches of eggs to an unknown predator (Otter?) during June-July but it was still very enjoyable watching them stealing nest material from a nearby Coots nest. I didn't realise how much character G-c Grebes had until this pair nested in front of the hide.

Singing Wryneck, Galloway Forest Park, 4 June





What initially sounded like a very distant calling Sparrowhawk actually turned out to be a singing Wryneck - my first singing one in the UK. It  was very content singing from a dead conifer and was still going at it when we passed by again later. I did email the county recorder the location but got no reply back (not bitter....) so I don't know if it lingered.

Palmate Newt, Borders



Golden-ringed Dragonfly emerging, June




Redstart, Grey Wagtail and Lesser Redpoll, Borders, June





Juvenile Grey Wagtail, RW, 30 May

A Juvenile that I first saw briefly on Lagoon 3 but then later in the Fishponds.

Longhorn Moths Displaying, RW, 30 May



Longhorn Beetle, RW, 29 May



Avocets, RW, May


Several pairs attempted to breed again but just like last year, all the chicks vanished, despite one brood being nearly three weeks old. The large numbers of immature gulls that were present during May-June may have been partly responsible but I guess we will never know the cause until one of us witnesses it.

Redshank Chicks, RW, 23 May



A brood of three that fledged successfully.

Lapwings, RW, 15 May







Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Swifts and Muntjac, Rutland





Osprey, May


Savi's Warbler and Muntjac, RW, May








The deer came round the corner while i was quietly waiting for the Savi's to appear. It approached to within 3 meters before going on it's way.