Silver-washed Fritillary.

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

Photo taken during a very recent visit to my favorite woodland glade within Hill House Wood at Bookham Common. For more images please check out this link to my main blog.   FAB.

Resting Chaser.

After the long journey home from a very wet and windy Cumbria I am resting just like this female Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa) that conveniently placed herself in front of the lens during a short walk around a local woodland glade today without the need for any waterproof clothing!   FAB.

[ 1/200; f/10; ISO 400 @ 300mm and cropped]

Bird Food?

You never know what might find lurking at ground level .......

... including this Cranefly, otherwise know as Daddy-long-legs, which could easily become someones quick snack if it sits here for too long.

This pair were doing what comes naturally amongst the lush green grasses.

All these shots were taken with the compact Canon Powershot S95.

N.B. This is a scheduled post and I will respond to comments when we return from Cumbria.  FAB.

Adulthood in two years.

Just one of the numerous recently fledged Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) that is starting out on its two year quest to reach maturity.

The juvenile plumage initially develops with the head and upper parts becoming more ginger-brown. Its first moult (post-juvenile moult) usually starts after the bird first flies [check out  this link] when just the head and body feathers will be renewed.

This is a 1st winter bird still showing the retention of some of its juvenile feathers including the dark tail but with the distinctive black tipped yellow bill. Through its first summer it will hold onto some of the faded juvenile plumage but may acquire a partial dark hood, often heavily spotted white, plus the legs and bill base will change to a more orange-red.

Above is an adult in its winter plumage sporting the bold dark ear spot and black tipped red bill. Its spring moult is also a partial moult when only the head and body feathers are renewed.

 

At the end of the its two year moult cycle this years juvenile (image 1) will look much the same as its adult parent showing that distinctive dark chocolate-brown cap plus the red bill and legs.   FAB.