First Butterfly of 2012

Taunton and Bridgwater Canal

28th January 2012

A beautiful sunny day in Taunton, almost Spring like, a walk along the canal into town, brought a few surprises. The canal has plenty of Moorhens and Mute Swans to see. But it is a pleasure to catch a glimpse of electric blue as a Kingfisher flies fast and low up river so it was great to see another one today. The sun brought out the first Bumble Bee's with three being seen. Though it was the first Butterfly of the year that made my day. a single Red Admiral seen flying around in the sun. A sign that Spring is not too far away now, already Daffodils are in flower along with Crocuses. Further along the canal at the weir the Little Egret was back looking for an easy meal. The first Black-headed Gull with it's Summer plumage of  chocolate brown head was noted somewhat early for January.

Exminster Marsh

Saturday 14th January 2012

Sorry for the rather late posting, January has been a little busier than I had thought. Our Winter has been very mild here in the South West of England. Managed to get out and have a walk around Exminster Marsh, near Exeter, Devon.

It was a very overcast day, and it was pretty quiet bird wise. I had hoped to see the Glossy Ibis that had taken up residence on the Marsh, but my luck that day was not that good. It had done a runner for the day. But lots of wildfowl on display. One of my favourite sounds in the Winter is listening to the whistling of the Widgeon. I can happily listen to this all day long. There were a few hundred showing today, with Teal and Shoveler. Sadly the Red-breasted Goose had also done a runner today. But the sight of nearly 200 Curlew roosting on the Marsh along with a small number of Lapwings.

I caught sight of two Snipe flying directly overhead and drop down and just vanish, typical of the Snipe. They can just disapear from view. But stunning birds. A Sparrowhawk flew low and flushed the small Waders and they took flight for safety.. my chance to see and hear some Redshank.

In the trees a small number of Redwing's were good to see. It was good also to find a few Reed Buntings. A Cettis Warbler announced it's presence.

First Birds of 2012

A gentle introduction to 2012

What better way to start the New Year than with an early morning walk to see in the start of the New Year. My walk took me along the Canal close to home, despite some rain falling it still feels far too mild for January.

Some of the birds noted on this gentle stroll were 2 Kingfishers, one perched on the rails of a moored boat. (wish I had taken my camera with me), with the other Kingfisher seen flying up river with it's distintive 'peep peep' call. The ever present Mallards and Mute Swans along with at least 35 Moorhens along the Canal. I was pleased to see the Little Egret this morning. I have been seeing this bird along the Canal off and on for a number of weeks, how they have spread in recent years.

Of the other birds seen along the hedgerows were Blue and Great Tits, with a single stunning Male Bullfinch. three Balckbirds and Starlings in good numbers. Quite a few House Sparrows all ever gregarious chirping and chasing each other through the hedgerows. Asingle Mistle Thrush sat perched a top of a bush was a pleasing sight. I really love our Winter Thrushes that grace our Country, and seeing up to 15 Redwing and 9 Fieldfares was the best sightings this morning. On the way home a large mixed flock of the beautiful Thrushes flew overhead calling.

A lovely gentle start to 2012. Here's to a great year of amazing Wildlife watching.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing each and everyone a very Happy New Year from Wildlife and Landscapes.com

I hope 2012 brings you peace and happiness were ever you are in the World. Lets not forget that the Wildlife that we enjoy watching needs our help more than ever so that future generations can also enjoy the amazing sights and sounds of our Worlds unique Wildlife.

Wildlife and Landscapes will return in the New Year.

Happy 2012 everyone.

Eagle Owl

The eyes of an Eagle Owl

While I am recovering from a heavy cold, I was going through some of my old photos and came across two of an Eagle Owl that I would like to share with you.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to have a close encounter with an Eagle Owl while traveling through Scotland.

It was the eyes of the Owl that caught me, deep and piercing.

Eagle Owls are very large birds of prey, and would take a Buzzard if they had to. Also heavy...But it was a moment I will never forget to have such a bird of prey perched on my hand.

I visited another bird of prey centre a few years prior ti this, I will post some of the shots in the coming weeks.

Recent Images

Selection of recent Photographs

As I have not been up-dating my blog for a bit due to work commitments I thought it was time to show some recent images.

I paid a visit to the Somerset levels last weekend looking for Autumn fungi, quite a lot have been taken by people, but did manage to find some species.

This time of year is good to find the iconic Fungi Fly Agaric, this shot below is of the cap, once the rain arrives this will turn Orange.

Below: And as you would normally see the Fly Agaric fungi, if the rain is heavy the white creamy spots will get washed away from the cap.

Many myths surround this fungi from the uses by the Shamen mixing it with Raindeer Urine, also it is said that if you sleep with a dried piece under your pillow it will promote visionary dreams. (But please do not try this).


                                  Further along I managed to find some Shaggy Inkcaps (below).

And one I was really pleased to find was this species below of the Yellowing Woodwax. I will be looking out for more species in the coming weeks as Autumn progresses.

On a recent walk along the shore line of Dawlish Warren I came across this skeleton of an old boat, I have been walking the shore line of this area for many years and never seen this before.

A walk along the Exeter Ship Canal yesterday, many boats were heading to the lock gates, this one looked rather photogenic through the reeds as the sun burst through the cloud cover.

           
                       Another sudden sun burst (below) as a flock of Geese flew towards the Rver Exe.

Tracks and Signs (2)

Jay Feather - Glastonbury

While out walking through the fields close to Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, I watched a pair of Jays in a tree, they can be quite loud with their calls. I had always wanted to find a Jay feather, as they flew out of the tree I asked them to leave a feather behind for me to find.

To my surprise a short distance later I found this Jay feather. This is called the 'Alula' very small in length and is situated at the 'thumb' remnants of the wing.

Not all birds have 'Alula' feathers. So I was both fortunate and pleased to have this tiny Jay feather.