Amphibian Activity.

During a stroll around Bookham Common last week I came across some amphibian activity in one corner of the pond.

Initially I thought they were all Common Frogs (Rana temperaria) which have a pointed snout, brown patch behind the eye and a light coloured lateral fold like on this individual (below) that was resting at the waters edge. 

But closer inspection showed that the majority were Common Toads (Bufo bufo) that have a very warty skin, the pupils are horizontally split behind which you can see the distinctive bulges called parotiod glands. 

When I stood still eyes popped up everywhere, but any slight movement and they all quickly disappeared!

One or two were just floating on the surface.

When I returned today there was no sign of any of these creatures.  FAB.

The Nest Builder.

Activity captured during the last two days of nest construction in the garden.  FAB

Red-crested Pochard. (Netta rufina)

Taken on 3rd March at Penn Pond in Richmond Park. For more pics check out my main blog.  FAB.

Humid and Exotic.

On a recent visit to RHS Wisley various exotic butterflies were still enthralling the visitors to the tropical zone inside the Bi-Centenary Glasshouse. It was very humid and I had to be very patient while the camera and lens adapted to this alien environment.

Owl (Caligo memnom).

Tree Nymph (Idea leuconoe).

I will post some more images on my Early Birder blog in due course.  FAB.