Wildlife in the Slow Lane
Birds bathe either in water or, if no water is available, dust, in order to maintain their plumage. Some birds, like Sparrows and Wrens, often do both, covering themselves in dirt after having taken a bath. Birds with weak feet and ...
I met a lady the other day who told me about a new walk where there are often lots of butterflies. Although it is still quite early for some butterflies, I thought I would check it out. It is alongside ...
We like going to Bix as it is very quiet and peaceful and there are always lots of birds. The smaller ones are usually singing loudly in the hedgerows and there is no other noise to disturb them. This time, ...
I assume this first one is quite young. Looks young, sort of rough and ruffled. Strangely perched right at the top of a bare tree, but seems content. A far cry from the more normal, well-groomed charracters one is more accustomed ...
Swallows never really seem to be the slightest bit bothered by human presence, particularly during the breeding season. This particular one can be seen every day sitting on a piece of wire a couple of feet from its nest on ...
Bix is a little village that we visit quite often now as there is always interesting wildlife in the area. The road is single-lane with few places to stop at short notice but we know it well now so it ...
Walks recently have involved a lot of umbrella-holding and not much opportunity for good photos as I am constantly balancing the camera in one hand hoping it doesn't get wet. Last weekend we set off for one of our regular ...
Yesterday was another dull overcast day with drizzle so when my husband suggested an early evening walk I was not overly enthusiastic. My enthusiasm waned even further when we arrived at a footpath through a field covered in cow pats..... ...
One of my local lakes, Southlake in Woodley, has quite a few dead fish in it at the moment. All the dead fish are Roach, other fish seem to be fine. An environmental officer has been to have a look ...
My local centre consists of a few shops with small flats above them. This enterprising Dove has built its nest behind a satellite dish against the wall of one of the shops, just under one of the flats.
Today saw the arrival of the first lot of baby starlings in my garden this spring. I can always hear them long before I get up to have a look because they make so much noise. It is quite amusing ...
The gulls are very graceful in flight, drifting almost lazily on the wind, but have always got at least one beady eye on the sea looking for fodder. It is particularly noticeable when you see them at close quarters, the ...
As well as the Mallard, Coots, Moorhens, Egyptian Geese and Canada Geese, I saw my first baby Mandarin ducks at Maiden Erlegh. They looked a bit like baby mallard and there were 12 in total, with their mum who was ...
