tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76298953959697734592024-02-12T14:35:23.731+00:00FABirdingAll photos are copyright © FABirding.FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-76823055781488320432018-08-03T18:11:00.000+01:002018-08-03T18:11:18.792+01:00Small Copper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MA-18jlYrdQ/W2SIyAGcCGI/AAAAAAAAV1U/4mMY3eykwpIH8xYSiGyUzVs8yiq251i_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2624cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1027" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MA-18jlYrdQ/W2SIyAGcCGI/AAAAAAAAV1U/4mMY3eykwpIH8xYSiGyUzVs8yiq251i_QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2624cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is my fourth year of walking the same 1770 metres transect through ancient oak woodland and on Tuesday I recorded my first ever sighting of the <b><span style="font-size: large;">Small Copper</span></b> <i>(Lycaena phlaeas)</i> on this walk.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyBaSjthle4/W2SI2lsK38I/AAAAAAAAV1Y/_l-wTfYzdM0yVaDLb3gH70jxpxZWxlAcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2636cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1026" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyBaSjthle4/W2SI2lsK38I/AAAAAAAAV1Y/_l-wTfYzdM0yVaDLb3gH70jxpxZWxlAcwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2636cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Their appearance can only be attributable to the continued hot, sunny weather. A bonus find that lifts my transect specie tally to 25.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnESUz3ZjuaN2psqlDwxjbf37y2vC_UIV4Qnv0xpV-GCvwm4R08dXqRnvQlXWHqCEZ45b5rz54maazWDkcoP6EP86y_u-6FBc27Wu_Jzi7xg3Zyk5niBNswALeFDKOPnG28mrmrOUfbX4/s1600/IMG_2646cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1028" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnESUz3ZjuaN2psqlDwxjbf37y2vC_UIV4Qnv0xpV-GCvwm4R08dXqRnvQlXWHqCEZ45b5rz54maazWDkcoP6EP86y_u-6FBc27Wu_Jzi7xg3Zyk5niBNswALeFDKOPnG28mrmrOUfbX4/s640/IMG_2646cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-73172290340444551482018-07-28T10:04:00.000+01:002018-07-28T10:04:43.180+01:00Black Darter.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Flying relatively late in the season I always look forward to finding our smallest resident <i>Sympetrum</i>, the <b><span style="font-size: large;">Black Darter</span> <i>(Sympetrum danae)</i></b> also known as the Black Meadowhawk to my North American friends.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tJryjXA8ug/W1sBN--XdBI/AAAAAAAAVvM/qZW9dPxvG8ccZD8DryTsDeWjH9IU-EcHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2529acM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2tJryjXA8ug/W1sBN--XdBI/AAAAAAAAVvM/qZW9dPxvG8ccZD8DryTsDeWjH9IU-EcHwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2529acM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
During a very recent stroll along the boardwalk at Thursley Common I initially saw several males erratically flying and then disappearing into the vegetation. Eventually I spotted this immature <b>female</b> hiding amoungst the grasses but she was being buffeted by the stiff breeze so capturing a well focused image was a challenge.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Ypep99Vws/W1sBboMhawI/AAAAAAAAVvQ/BYSfByR4A5wWWbdn5CCn9CVx15cumlczgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2534ac1M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1010" height="486" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Ypep99Vws/W1sBboMhawI/AAAAAAAAVvQ/BYSfByR4A5wWWbdn5CCn9CVx15cumlczgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2534ac1M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The territorial males briefly use the same perch in-between their forays so with a bit of patience I eventually grabbed a few images.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdbdl4Un1sRKgxsokJA0B1Bjam5lHbwvYOW8LwjQOmJeUA5QIQTLKMcOFAQQamdpVnp9Dnr0NR0-u-JYLIjrGuodxFLHJW0nkdPhEAebJt341VYZVuAQDufIDQOH5SXDKwCixQxNPGf0/s1600/IMG_2562cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdbdl4Un1sRKgxsokJA0B1Bjam5lHbwvYOW8LwjQOmJeUA5QIQTLKMcOFAQQamdpVnp9Dnr0NR0-u-JYLIjrGuodxFLHJW0nkdPhEAebJt341VYZVuAQDufIDQOH5SXDKwCixQxNPGf0/s640/IMG_2562cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98zqCNp_asE/W1tQ-t1iuTI/AAAAAAAAVvo/MUw-55fWp0cLqq58-sheFXHTooiP3GP3ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2567ac1M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1015" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98zqCNp_asE/W1tQ-t1iuTI/AAAAAAAAVvo/MUw-55fWp0cLqq58-sheFXHTooiP3GP3ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2567ac1M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The blackest species of this genus and the only one in which mature males do not become reddish but display an extreme colour change from their distinctive contrasting yellow-with-black to wholly black. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOegBbUtKxJSaEwzpqgSiS85iGMh6WU-Re6SzistQGEWpuaXLFTOSufUV1KXkPsqA0Obgdd_6mjCg0lQ4loirOIEVMvvEyNY_v3I8HbXL-eB5O437MSflCgqx8nNoJXG5M80Ur1f2S1A/s1600/IMG_0423ac1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1152" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOegBbUtKxJSaEwzpqgSiS85iGMh6WU-Re6SzistQGEWpuaXLFTOSufUV1KXkPsqA0Obgdd_6mjCg0lQ4loirOIEVMvvEyNY_v3I8HbXL-eB5O437MSflCgqx8nNoJXG5M80Ur1f2S1A/s640/IMG_0423ac1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
These last three shots were taken last August and serve to illustrate this colour change.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJuc36iTSkk/W1tSA0rd1zI/AAAAAAAAVv0/z9xBjsoSVpYWH-qSeX_NtbXaYJckXXAAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0642acM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1021" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJuc36iTSkk/W1tSA0rd1zI/AAAAAAAAVv0/z9xBjsoSVpYWH-qSeX_NtbXaYJckXXAAQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0642acM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP6pfwQQiUiinyODws_4WIbnErpcjNq8CcPNFsUD_dg7HBa2Ze9glmPhN5WnUIkxzstaWXZpd4L9tXbM8bMiThbE_70vEntUddZZ76zgvl9XlYlRZsjGDS2t0c2OCR1cQYXr9ky_tRlg/s1600/IMG_0680acM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1229" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHP6pfwQQiUiinyODws_4WIbnErpcjNq8CcPNFsUD_dg7HBa2Ze9glmPhN5WnUIkxzstaWXZpd4L9tXbM8bMiThbE_70vEntUddZZ76zgvl9XlYlRZsjGDS2t0c2OCR1cQYXr9ky_tRlg/s640/IMG_0680acM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-85195959237329658032018-07-24T00:27:00.001+01:002018-07-24T00:27:28.545+01:00Silver-studded Blues.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWrW3sKr7WqIuPldf9-ELRSQPiI7ogujPGoZS8AmSiFO61Cq_ehIfKhouZeSsQxjnC3vPuiTmzSR-u_QQJnvhLx3Cttl1yHQB3vQfRthCGDcWkbibJQTVtzy28LjpbbnUT3Dpe70f6sY/s1600/IMG_1841M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWrW3sKr7WqIuPldf9-ELRSQPiI7ogujPGoZS8AmSiFO61Cq_ehIfKhouZeSsQxjnC3vPuiTmzSR-u_QQJnvhLx3Cttl1yHQB3vQfRthCGDcWkbibJQTVtzy28LjpbbnUT3Dpe70f6sY/s640/IMG_1841M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <b>Silver-studded Blue</b> <i>(Plebejus argus)</i> is a rare species that locally inhabits acid heathland which requires habitat management to provide a succession of sparse young heather. All these images were shot at Thursley Common in late June.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC0yMgtHhQyE6NXUskVRTPsvKEWOkBeU2WhgMJCgjA764fSY2XpTsXRSMVMNQiTvX9UZB3NyqCo2WvqJHrdmsTG0HYjoGvayN5nAk5WdIGTjRB-E-ZuxJpKVN4VfHRD9kgTTYlGi1aAE/s1600/IMG_1844c2M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1019" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC0yMgtHhQyE6NXUskVRTPsvKEWOkBeU2WhgMJCgjA764fSY2XpTsXRSMVMNQiTvX9UZB3NyqCo2WvqJHrdmsTG0HYjoGvayN5nAk5WdIGTjRB-E-ZuxJpKVN4VfHRD9kgTTYlGi1aAE/s640/IMG_1844c2M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
Whilst I failed to find a female on her own there were plenty of opportunities to capture mating pairs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtilsfU-yDM/W1ZjvVl_bnI/AAAAAAAAVto/rXxqchu_SG8Nvz-t5OBWhzM49nnFnkJJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1851acM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1021" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UtilsfU-yDM/W1ZjvVl_bnI/AAAAAAAAVto/rXxqchu_SG8Nvz-t5OBWhzM49nnFnkJJwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1851acM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4-L66YIE4LF2L1ebR9OiUsyuyo6e1T2G72HYEtmRXWHYsrqdCPQUnFaKr_FS8IyFsEx_YoNrQxRntcTb522JqRN6AE6d7ZphzAkz4vwZV9zk5TBpS_P3Qj2RKgconahbtqdINe3eL2Y/s1600/IMG_1863cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1022" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4-L66YIE4LF2L1ebR9OiUsyuyo6e1T2G72HYEtmRXWHYsrqdCPQUnFaKr_FS8IyFsEx_YoNrQxRntcTb522JqRN6AE6d7ZphzAkz4vwZV9zk5TBpS_P3Qj2RKgconahbtqdINe3eL2Y/s640/IMG_1863cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-17224247039795801972018-06-22T20:47:00.001+01:002018-06-22T20:47:20.148+01:00The Hobby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAA-fGSXNlrme3WjUOxzlyxnxEC_uToSMli6vcYYKIGlU2UKo7oXuF3PYmChIhxvuUqa-EIIeZjpx0ixDtvxgOGjX-Mm-ndY9jAqywwa9Tm6hTvpYuDLboyJQJT-lkfc4WSAuONscNrvU/s1600/IMG_1416ac2M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1025" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAA-fGSXNlrme3WjUOxzlyxnxEC_uToSMli6vcYYKIGlU2UKo7oXuF3PYmChIhxvuUqa-EIIeZjpx0ixDtvxgOGjX-Mm-ndY9jAqywwa9Tm6hTvpYuDLboyJQJT-lkfc4WSAuONscNrvU/s640/IMG_1416ac2M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
In a recent post <a href="https://fabearlybirder.blogspot.com/2018/06/fast-fliers.html" target="_blank">"Fast Fliers"</a> on my main blog I featured the <b><span style="font-size: large;">Hobby</span></b> <i>(Falco Subbuteo). </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I spent another few hours on Thursley Common today mainly to obtain some images of the prey this bird favours, particularly dragonflies and damselflies, but I could not pass up the opportunity to try and grab some more shots of this aerial acrobat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fvI3FfIxd0/Wy1LD-YCYVI/AAAAAAAAVjc/dIYw1ZzI7PE7QbMgDxx5YHL69ojI6XZ-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1754cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1019" height="481" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fvI3FfIxd0/Wy1LD-YCYVI/AAAAAAAAVjc/dIYw1ZzI7PE7QbMgDxx5YHL69ojI6XZ-QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1754cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
There were two birds on the wing and they never came very close to me so I had to use the 70-300 lens at full stretch and all the shots have been cropped.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzCfUXrAzz0/Wy1LLAdHEGI/AAAAAAAAVjg/lu6j3zpiSQsB996s922nlpiJEz1CMRhWQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1875c2M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1028" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzCfUXrAzz0/Wy1LLAdHEGI/AAAAAAAAVjg/lu6j3zpiSQsB996s922nlpiJEz1CMRhWQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1875c2M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Typically eating its prey on the wing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0l3QIUSAHO0As4YzJaHp-QyF1n8mvJAvtKOKPLb0I-vlmMINxnhlyVoLapvgGS3UVwszVn3xAF5zL6cWwC1hpyzJxeK0eUuKz2jzT8PAZi8TXI1egtJPT8_s9cUQyZyVC1jzU-CnfHw/s1600/IMG_1879c1M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0l3QIUSAHO0As4YzJaHp-QyF1n8mvJAvtKOKPLb0I-vlmMINxnhlyVoLapvgGS3UVwszVn3xAF5zL6cWwC1hpyzJxeK0eUuKz2jzT8PAZi8TXI1egtJPT8_s9cUQyZyVC1jzU-CnfHw/s640/IMG_1879c1M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-65484789125119006272018-06-04T23:05:00.003+01:002018-06-04T23:05:24.885+01:00Reed Bunting.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mVr24ri40ArSRjIgus6mAi5dLAhv2LrrEtFyCZO_7AHpmVTm8T9PSMtGQil-3bTZynJ8kazd-x8g7vlenx6tNJU54prodMYUBcgQP8W6XnSaVtK707SnmqfOrqft89Ky20z0HLBIp3I/s1600/IMG_1309cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1020" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mVr24ri40ArSRjIgus6mAi5dLAhv2LrrEtFyCZO_7AHpmVTm8T9PSMtGQil-3bTZynJ8kazd-x8g7vlenx6tNJU54prodMYUBcgQP8W6XnSaVtK707SnmqfOrqft89Ky20z0HLBIp3I/s640/IMG_1309cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A male <b>Reed Bunting</b>.</div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-27377375061925200872018-06-02T23:38:00.004+01:002018-06-04T22:35:18.689+01:00Common Whitethroat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut0W8LZSoeR_VfsG8uR_EZg7RArS1kHPmwMi4Y0gG4wctIRiseOnhTkkMACpBCuWZW1MNbzgkqWkV98PyDrT1uPYdKBD5zLZdxpfMfar8Z5zfyOtk1XdUKXDGogzMHueqNxovg1DICY4/s1600/IMG_1310c2M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1019" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut0W8LZSoeR_VfsG8uR_EZg7RArS1kHPmwMi4Y0gG4wctIRiseOnhTkkMACpBCuWZW1MNbzgkqWkV98PyDrT1uPYdKBD5zLZdxpfMfar8Z5zfyOtk1XdUKXDGogzMHueqNxovg1DICY4/s640/IMG_1310c2M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A male <b>Common Whitethroat </b><i>(Sylvia communis)</i> proclaiming its territory after flying here all the way from Africa last month. <i><b>FAB. </b></i></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-12352862825842630302017-07-15T21:44:00.001+01:002017-07-15T21:44:34.778+01:00Inquisitive Doe.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J51ls6KK3s/WWfx5txV-EI/AAAAAAAAU7g/pK27jdt5g4UxakIzF6SsJ2FEdgY3RheSACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1101cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1022" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J51ls6KK3s/WWfx5txV-EI/AAAAAAAAU7g/pK27jdt5g4UxakIzF6SsJ2FEdgY3RheSACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1101cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I came across this <b>Roe Doe</b> hiding in one of the local farmer's crop fields recently. She was monitoring all the comings and goings along a nearby footpath by sight, sound and smell and probably had a recently born kid also hiding somewhere deep within the crop.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1eCAeK9G0A/WWfx6RaFuDI/AAAAAAAAU7k/3EVWGTvF8V0VzSXWenHUELXI3vDuFt68ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1102c2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1022" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o1eCAeK9G0A/WWfx6RaFuDI/AAAAAAAAU7k/3EVWGTvF8V0VzSXWenHUELXI3vDuFt68ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1102c2M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-27155315521080872092017-06-10T00:56:00.000+01:002017-06-10T00:56:30.558+01:00Spoonbills at Lake Kerkini, Greece.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoeL7THQrkS1jx2gETpE094mtD6ZNXaSW62Qyl7Ke_c9HfGhX_CsUiHpw7tn6PTVRnKyfTFDxvkqx-8r9D5_asD6fpuDgFXILM2nA8UJ0XLyJ9oIJl8UDL5q8Hp53dggl8ehCwz0o_6g/s1600/2017_05%252BSpoonbills_CM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1229" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoeL7THQrkS1jx2gETpE094mtD6ZNXaSW62Qyl7Ke_c9HfGhX_CsUiHpw7tn6PTVRnKyfTFDxvkqx-8r9D5_asD6fpuDgFXILM2nA8UJ0XLyJ9oIJl8UDL5q8Hp53dggl8ehCwz0o_6g/s640/2017_05%252BSpoonbills_CM1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another species that I have only ever photographed once before in the UK and at some distance was the <b>Eurasian <span style="font-size: large;">Spoonbill</span></b> <i>(Platalea leucorodia)</i> so another enjoyable encounter was the 40+ encamped in the drowned forest on Lake Kerniki, Greece.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RydS7aNPF0c/WSn6KBLFMOI/AAAAAAAAUn0/Ysl1XN2ioEY4_Kk8Ahj4g6crHDzOLMTRwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0706cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RydS7aNPF0c/WSn6KBLFMOI/AAAAAAAAUn0/Ysl1XN2ioEY4_Kk8Ahj4g6crHDzOLMTRwCLcB/s640/IMG_0706cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An adult standing guard over two youngsters in one of the nests situated within close proximity of the very numerous and noisy nesting Cormorants.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1DYWWxZSJo/WRuFnLB7BVI/AAAAAAAAUdY/qtUHd648MkEFH8UpFebnWQEHK6KU9fAhQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0729cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1DYWWxZSJo/WRuFnLB7BVI/AAAAAAAAUdY/qtUHd648MkEFH8UpFebnWQEHK6KU9fAhQCLcB/s640/IMG_0729cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The left hand bird <i>(above)</i> of this probable breeding pair was ringed 'V2'. I sent off a report via BTO and received its record history from the Dutch coordinator confirming it was ringed on 20 May 2001 at Lake Kerniki. The only previous reported sighting was in 2010 on the lake.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F90PgXALTbU/WSn70LgY6yI/AAAAAAAAUos/_M_0CaXBmbQcKObnrYac5aiPmlw-FolcACLcB/s1600/IMG_0734cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1022" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F90PgXALTbU/WSn70LgY6yI/AAAAAAAAUos/_M_0CaXBmbQcKObnrYac5aiPmlw-FolcACLcB/s640/IMG_0734cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsFUpJWn8Ful_GdKzcQOOe_ji8ufxWEl9y08p2YrgV_VTKxy_66RAytnuEkdYymOjvt-pb4GFpIrpyb3TveEIFrbFMQ6gFjLtRaMdmB-6T6YoYrHb8v6ztdO6RJqc7opFNqRKBSEEsIE/s1600/IMG_0732cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1025" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsFUpJWn8Ful_GdKzcQOOe_ji8ufxWEl9y08p2YrgV_VTKxy_66RAytnuEkdYymOjvt-pb4GFpIrpyb3TveEIFrbFMQ6gFjLtRaMdmB-6T6YoYrHb8v6ztdO6RJqc7opFNqRKBSEEsIE/s640/IMG_0732cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Linking to:<br />
<br /></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com8Greece41.091349201092129 23.67001512499996435.019058701092128 13.342866624999964 47.16363970109213 33.997163624999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-31372745531206610732017-05-28T15:02:00.001+01:002017-05-29T11:05:25.463+01:00Night Herons on Lake Kerkini.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLdXVzH0GaX5rcz5eH9BHSRd8sVUvbDDoqfUfjRruWXCTZ44M2kmJepE2ZS3LFpyVzVixRwBwQh_zbr2bVJjZSJKVd4fmJKZK-FlZmrYAU68xANO9_nrXRT-vyzMojKT_8ydTBVLHfMI/s1600/IMG_0261cp2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="770" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLdXVzH0GaX5rcz5eH9BHSRd8sVUvbDDoqfUfjRruWXCTZ44M2kmJepE2ZS3LFpyVzVixRwBwQh_zbr2bVJjZSJKVd4fmJKZK-FlZmrYAU68xANO9_nrXRT-vyzMojKT_8ydTBVLHfMI/s320/IMG_0261cp2M.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One species that I was hoping to get the opportunity to photograph was the <b>[Black-crowned] <span style="font-size: large;">Night Heron</span></b> <i>(Nycticorax nycticorax)</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I had seen this species on previous trips to the Mediterranean, Morocco and in Bulgaria but the views were often distant or the bird was partly hidden by vegetation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This was initially the case in Northern Greece during a drive along the eastern embankment of Lake Kerkini but when we took a guided boat trip out to the drowned forest in the north-eastern corner this all changed.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Their Latin name equates to 'Night Raven', referring to its largely nocturnal feeding habits and crow-like croaking call.</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ1D4JnI1uA/WSiduwtuxAI/AAAAAAAAUjQ/iSKe23R5CjUJT-BuRISrpU7XZ6z5NJfcACLcB/s1600/IMG_0722cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1020" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ1D4JnI1uA/WSiduwtuxAI/AAAAAAAAUjQ/iSKe23R5CjUJT-BuRISrpU7XZ6z5NJfcACLcB/s640/IMG_0722cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On our approach to the forest I quickly grabbed a few record shots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivqo7smq4d4/WSiiNrvokoI/AAAAAAAAUjc/KbdaKQ2dIS4gTdXgHpkOAvzq4DlVTaouQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0767cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivqo7smq4d4/WSiiNrvokoI/AAAAAAAAUjc/KbdaKQ2dIS4gTdXgHpkOAvzq4DlVTaouQCLcB/s640/IMG_0767cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nikos Galios our expert local bird guide and boatman then maneuvered us into a more favourable position for some quality close ups.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut8rqMYAxpg/WSnuf7Kl3ZI/AAAAAAAAUj4/EQUArNNP40k3P8aRA9-hGogTwVmL_zGowCLcB/s1600/IMG_0725cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut8rqMYAxpg/WSnuf7Kl3ZI/AAAAAAAAUj4/EQUArNNP40k3P8aRA9-hGogTwVmL_zGowCLcB/s640/IMG_0725cM.JPG" width="634" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-bI1C77aqY/WSiiT4A6J8I/AAAAAAAAUjg/IpuU_ID9YOMvPBGwM_wCTgeFNM7TI1-OgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0743cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-bI1C77aqY/WSiiT4A6J8I/AAAAAAAAUjg/IpuU_ID9YOMvPBGwM_wCTgeFNM7TI1-OgCLcB/s640/IMG_0743cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Typically perched in their hunched resting position this close encounter certainly made my day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUzbZp0fNVM/WSiiXKuzOyI/AAAAAAAAUjk/uk7QVmljkwo3lravaJJuKUkGJm8ayIisACLcB/s1600/IMG_0757acM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUzbZp0fNVM/WSiiXKuzOyI/AAAAAAAAUjk/uk7QVmljkwo3lravaJJuKUkGJm8ayIisACLcB/s640/IMG_0757acM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can check out the various other species seen during this overseas trip by visiting <b><a href="http://fabearlybirder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wildlife Watching with FAB</a></b>.</div>
<br /></div>
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">I'D-Rather=B-Birdin'</a><br />
<a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a> <i> </i><br />
<a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Through My Lens</a><i></i>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com11Greece40.892329125437641 23.58212449999996434.746446625437642 13.254975999999964 47.03821162543764 33.909272999999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-41092679441074127512017-05-20T20:19:00.001+01:002017-05-29T11:02:08.870+01:00Squacco Heron.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ti5hQFAdgo/WR98G7XoBwI/AAAAAAAAUd8/8kbiW_B9vrMWLUw17uZEZd7sKqnQ5cTswCLcB/s1600/IMG_0775cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ti5hQFAdgo/WR98G7XoBwI/AAAAAAAAUd8/8kbiW_B9vrMWLUw17uZEZd7sKqnQ5cTswCLcB/s640/IMG_0775cM.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ti5hQFAdgo/WR98G7XoBwI/AAAAAAAAUd8/8kbiW_B9vrMWLUw17uZEZd7sKqnQ5cTswCLcB/s1600/IMG_0775cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
During a very recent birding holiday in Northern Greece I finally managed to get some shots of a <span style="font-size: large;">Squacco Heron</span> <i>(Ardeola ralloides)</i> a bird I had previously recorded on visits to Bulgaria, Lesvos and Morocco but the views were either distant or fleeting flight memories. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1kAE2PzVI/WR-BE22UNQI/AAAAAAAAUeU/YXQ4k99YEfQNEa7snOG4hYA-E47fVXhdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0778cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1kAE2PzVI/WR-BE22UNQI/AAAAAAAAUeU/YXQ4k99YEfQNEa7snOG4hYA-E47fVXhdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0778cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1kAE2PzVI/WR-BE22UNQI/AAAAAAAAUeU/YXQ4k99YEfQNEa7snOG4hYA-E47fVXhdgCLcB/s320/IMG_0778cM.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fortunately on and around Lake Kerkini this species is a fairly common summer visitor and passage migrant with around 200 pairs breeding here (2015).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Often located as a buffy brown shape standing still in the waterside vegetation or disturbed into flight as it moves to another location.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When this Heron is stationary there is no hint of the blazing white upper wing colour that is so prominent in flight.<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1kAE2PzVI/WR-BE22UNQI/AAAAAAAAUeU/YXQ4k99YEfQNEa7snOG4hYA-E47fVXhdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0778cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The following shots were all taken at Mandraki Harbour where this individual flew out to perch on the open marsh vegetation fairly close to my viewing position.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVH8jZIJkZE/WR975n0Cg4I/AAAAAAAAUd4/-egdUg8byjc__EVHI1TCL7mLuz-Jp1cNQCLcB/s1600/Squacco%2BHeron_CM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVH8jZIJkZE/WR975n0Cg4I/AAAAAAAAUd4/-egdUg8byjc__EVHI1TCL7mLuz-Jp1cNQCLcB/s640/Squacco%2BHeron_CM1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKlR0-8hyQQ/WR98P3P7OVI/AAAAAAAAUeE/of5NCGvKp5gc30ztj66PLNUkkOGNfVGmACLcB/s1600/IMG_0538M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKlR0-8hyQQ/WR98P3P7OVI/AAAAAAAAUeE/of5NCGvKp5gc30ztj66PLNUkkOGNfVGmACLcB/s640/IMG_0538M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9jq4-wBoPY/WR98PFqOvPI/AAAAAAAAUeA/Pa5jWAc6pzoYybCHDDgehJ-_sow07VyWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0540cp2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9jq4-wBoPY/WR98PFqOvPI/AAAAAAAAUeA/Pa5jWAc6pzoYybCHDDgehJ-_sow07VyWgCLcB/s640/IMG_0540cp2M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And finally a decent flight shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwhKoZ2jIuM/WR98V1l9JII/AAAAAAAAUeI/bNf1Vjq9SBYNN1AH10M6gUi5NmHQigzMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0533cp1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwhKoZ2jIuM/WR98V1l9JII/AAAAAAAAUeI/bNf1Vjq9SBYNN1AH10M6gUi5NmHQigzMwCLcB/s640/IMG_0533cp1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can check out the various other species seen during this overseas trip by visiting <b><a href="http://fabearlybirder.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wildlife Watching with FAB</a></b>.</div>
<br />
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a><br />
<a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'</a><br />
<u><a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a></u><br />
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-44959820457036416352017-05-05T23:11:00.000+01:002017-05-05T23:12:00.695+01:00Chiffchaff.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoC-aNZbu1M/WQzl5uhMX9I/AAAAAAAAUYE/1hLKB_7KVvUVt09jnS0injDiwDpBEraRwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0181M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoC-aNZbu1M/WQzl5uhMX9I/AAAAAAAAUYE/1hLKB_7KVvUVt09jnS0injDiwDpBEraRwCLcB/s640/IMG_0181M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In early Spring the patch livens up with buds bursting, the trees green up and the distinctive forceful sound of returning<b> Chiffchaff's</b> <i>(Phylloscopus collybita)</i> can be heard all around the woodland and open common. My first sighting this year was on 23 March just a little later than the norm.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RweABWqMKU/WQzmFi7h9DI/AAAAAAAAUYI/q0SQvMXLiQwJmmgM9mz6vHh4TMK_hzBUwCLcB/s1600/Chiffchaff_2017_04_12_CM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RweABWqMKU/WQzmFi7h9DI/AAAAAAAAUYI/q0SQvMXLiQwJmmgM9mz6vHh4TMK_hzBUwCLcB/s640/Chiffchaff_2017_04_12_CM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This individual was monitoring the response by a female to his previous singing session.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSM4vX8DjpU/WQzmlidqIpI/AAAAAAAAUYQ/oLgswicnXwMXDzRRT4SKbCoUS8rKmsm5QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0186cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSM4vX8DjpU/WQzmlidqIpI/AAAAAAAAUYQ/oLgswicnXwMXDzRRT4SKbCoUS8rKmsm5QCLcB/s640/IMG_0186cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-58494179733086152542017-03-30T00:11:00.002+01:002017-03-30T00:11:47.301+01:00Great Crested Grebe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1SNbSQiGtY/WNw-MrTq95I/AAAAAAAAUSk/R7bIH38Qt3AQANanY3B8iVHe2yt6xJ7JQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0110c2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1SNbSQiGtY/WNw-MrTq95I/AAAAAAAAUSk/R7bIH38Qt3AQANanY3B8iVHe2yt6xJ7JQCLcB/s640/IMG_0110c2M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A recent wander around the London Wetland Centre at Barnes provided an opportunity to get a few snaps of an adult<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Great Crested Grebe</b></span> <i>(Podiceps cristatus).</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcHuSUKSLAc/WNw-SYZKTfI/AAAAAAAAUSo/rvcfF9GK_qMsHExDaMWyUigq1-gsze80ACLcB/s1600/IMG_0113c2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OcHuSUKSLAc/WNw-SYZKTfI/AAAAAAAAUSo/rvcfF9GK_qMsHExDaMWyUigq1-gsze80ACLcB/s640/IMG_0113c2M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-87342603611910561652017-03-24T23:42:00.000+00:002017-03-24T23:42:15.917+00:00Little Egret.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHP33n-oRC8/WNWskEKwVOI/AAAAAAAAURA/1O_kKJhhPqYYzVflhZFbj3TZBZ0l7-MqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0012M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHP33n-oRC8/WNWskEKwVOI/AAAAAAAAURA/1O_kKJhhPqYYzVflhZFbj3TZBZ0l7-MqQCLcB/s640/IMG_0012M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few shots of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Little Egret</b></span> <i>(Egretta garzetta)</i> taken during a recent visit to Farlington Marshes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34n_pSIxLb7inAMwvNhUeBhF5SxVjHORwmYb7-IuR5kmnK8nfunJBq0YFFBMlYC-YaKikiqlG9QlTyK6wyHKVjEkk4NSPT2J8Bbb0uotCwgisYSn7LHuDtKlgDZsl_iQI9CokkHuSqZs/s1600/IMG_0019M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34n_pSIxLb7inAMwvNhUeBhF5SxVjHORwmYb7-IuR5kmnK8nfunJBq0YFFBMlYC-YaKikiqlG9QlTyK6wyHKVjEkk4NSPT2J8Bbb0uotCwgisYSn7LHuDtKlgDZsl_iQI9CokkHuSqZs/s640/IMG_0019M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFc3NR4x5O0/WNWts-FwzSI/AAAAAAAAURM/wgE17QO5fPQ8CkAQcP27nwVOd95G8jbfQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0098c2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zFc3NR4x5O0/WNWts-FwzSI/AAAAAAAAURM/wgE17QO5fPQ8CkAQcP27nwVOd95G8jbfQCLcB/s640/IMG_0098c2M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lH4KUFRm4fM/WNWt8PxGAAI/AAAAAAAAURQ/PGbRwVmncko3c2dreCGWKCRMuGzxoLglgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0099cpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lH4KUFRm4fM/WNWt8PxGAAI/AAAAAAAAURQ/PGbRwVmncko3c2dreCGWKCRMuGzxoLglgCLcB/s640/IMG_0099cpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-17856330355619437962016-12-22T16:29:00.001+00:002016-12-22T16:29:26.558+00:00Christmas Wishes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKB1mX6nZd8/WFlnjmTqkiI/AAAAAAAAUMM/M6GQi5YtNbAR1NkXuuuV775WXEaT9vZcACPcB/s1600/Robin_9244ac2M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKB1mX6nZd8/WFlnjmTqkiI/AAAAAAAAUMM/M6GQi5YtNbAR1NkXuuuV775WXEaT9vZcACPcB/s640/Robin_9244ac2M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
My thanks to all the visitors and regular readers of this blog.<br />
<br />
I wish everyone a joyful Christmas and a Happy and wildlife filled New Year ... <b><i>FAB.</i></b>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-70018258762881247422016-09-23T23:57:00.002+01:002016-09-23T23:57:23.669+01:00Migrant Hawker.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PtywMvniiJWGz4k6lruDKNHdX9Ue_iHjOUibzNWxXRLfMcGNQVate8XO1WRt0S4g-TFuFQqgGgVmSXzZ6U1zVaRNJKeDpuiw1b4xppRP172mLwWP0LoaTIlxABMtzT7qGvZNj3c6Bbc/s1600/IMG_2281cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PtywMvniiJWGz4k6lruDKNHdX9Ue_iHjOUibzNWxXRLfMcGNQVate8XO1WRt0S4g-TFuFQqgGgVmSXzZ6U1zVaRNJKeDpuiw1b4xppRP172mLwWP0LoaTIlxABMtzT7qGvZNj3c6Bbc/s640/IMG_2281cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-68839621278276544052016-08-28T22:08:00.002+01:002016-08-28T22:08:57.095+01:00Just Floating.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1s74AcK0iQ/V4lwZnVJIYI/AAAAAAAAT_M/RVSKOasiLqYYzscLbfYd5sjQSAsUzBLQACLcB/s1600/CG%252B2016_0316bcM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p1s74AcK0iQ/V4lwZnVJIYI/AAAAAAAAT_M/RVSKOasiLqYYzscLbfYd5sjQSAsUzBLQACLcB/s640/CG%252B2016_0316bcM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-87076149738674281732016-08-01T20:56:00.000+01:002016-08-01T20:56:10.178+01:00Black Darter.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruq6c_uktEg/V56OxI4T17I/AAAAAAAAUE0/ZFE_-7lMatwls2lZnuQEq9Y6ylCpRCFzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2052zR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ruq6c_uktEg/V56OxI4T17I/AAAAAAAAUE0/ZFE_-7lMatwls2lZnuQEq9Y6ylCpRCFzQCLcB/s400/IMG_2052zR.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A week after my first encounter with <a href="http://fabearlybirder.blogspot.com/2016/07/black-darters.html" target="_blank"><b>Black Darters</b> on Thursley Common</a> I returned to stake out a likely location next to the boardwalk.
<br />
<br />
It didn't take long before I was rewarded with a fairly close encounter as a male <i>(see below)</i> joined me for a brief rest on the boardwalk.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rot4kemC4c/V56KgyO9HlI/AAAAAAAAUEY/5HetzAYWQAgaUgWPonpTZ8Whb9Xn_LtdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2042acpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rot4kemC4c/V56KgyO9HlI/AAAAAAAAUEY/5HetzAYWQAgaUgWPonpTZ8Whb9Xn_LtdQCLcB/s640/IMG_2042acpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Several other males were also using the boards to rest and soak up the sunshine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJXwv8zIcEg/V5-eFoGRPPI/AAAAAAAAUFE/aYBqELlnM_EKzvBn0fhsTlYkZo-VOr74ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2054cpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJXwv8zIcEg/V5-eFoGRPPI/AAAAAAAAUFE/aYBqELlnM_EKzvBn0fhsTlYkZo-VOr74ACLcB/s640/IMG_2054cpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the temperature rose a little there was plenty of activity over the oily acidic water but I found it impossible to capture either a singleton or a conjoined pair in flight. Locating a <b>female</b> <i>(see below)</i> took a little time as they tend to hide out of sight amongst the vegetation until disturbed by a territorial male.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK4DiO1MhuA/V5-hfY6UaBI/AAAAAAAAUFQ/JMYfazLCljgrl3YvybXz9yz9-dtgJ3n3gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2093acpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK4DiO1MhuA/V5-hfY6UaBI/AAAAAAAAUFQ/JMYfazLCljgrl3YvybXz9yz9-dtgJ3n3gCLcB/s640/IMG_2093acpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSghJwo2If8/V56L3QUNZ0I/AAAAAAAAUEg/8Y58SWGFJZgvKJP8x0YUWGwhWDqy7Yh9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2039c1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSghJwo2If8/V56L3QUNZ0I/AAAAAAAAUEg/8Y58SWGFJZgvKJP8x0YUWGwhWDqy7Yh9ACLcB/s640/IMG_2039c1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the males age the abdomen darkens and the yellow markings all but disappear.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSMSMNijZnw/V56MS_PB1iI/AAAAAAAAUEk/oOznpk476R0xSn3_fJk0YpMeu7boxDXuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2088acpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PSMSMNijZnw/V56MS_PB1iI/AAAAAAAAUEk/oOznpk476R0xSn3_fJk0YpMeu7boxDXuwCLcB/s640/IMG_2088acpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0na-KL_Q9g/V5-n4v3q_AI/AAAAAAAAUFg/ganleLtUyxsuwWC0bhNK6vyQY9FtNEGugCLcB/s1600/IMG_2025cpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0na-KL_Q9g/V5-n4v3q_AI/AAAAAAAAUFg/ganleLtUyxsuwWC0bhNK6vyQY9FtNEGugCLcB/s640/IMG_2025cpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-42856541859993094542016-07-29T00:42:00.001+01:002016-07-29T00:42:31.623+01:00The Emperor.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-6vtThJfwM/V5qXUusy_0I/AAAAAAAAUEA/99OYMtOXvkQn9EEEXyYomvW71xPG8q1VQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1908acM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E-6vtThJfwM/V5qXUusy_0I/AAAAAAAAUEA/99OYMtOXvkQn9EEEXyYomvW71xPG8q1VQCLcB/s640/IMG_1908acM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <b>Emperor</b> <i>(Anax imperator)</i> our largest dragonfly. I located this male just hanging around during a recent wander at Thursley Common.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAO7XY-OWq73bqvn3g-L38cfybO-eg4TLXzN_B4OuiJ8y_FrjyfryAMP7V75fkgHoaPdacL0q5OJakdhogHFgFatUXSj8K6hSYGD4oHJ-F5YMi-vXav_1t84AsDHM5a5fHCzFhIn2c90/s1600/IMG_1918acM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAO7XY-OWq73bqvn3g-L38cfybO-eg4TLXzN_B4OuiJ8y_FrjyfryAMP7V75fkgHoaPdacL0q5OJakdhogHFgFatUXSj8K6hSYGD4oHJ-F5YMi-vXav_1t84AsDHM5a5fHCzFhIn2c90/s640/IMG_1918acM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xx2CLPp5qXeS1JCW3PfcABi19gmDHBL0RaB8Yz-v-KBQFU8SCzc0IuYQLcIa1FEAy7HqsZezvAFl7jQ9FT1mchDQN3NPtePynMyrxk0WADMdSoNkAqjvIsHYycnQxWOVi8GKbnC7n3A/s1600/IMG_1915ac1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xx2CLPp5qXeS1JCW3PfcABi19gmDHBL0RaB8Yz-v-KBQFU8SCzc0IuYQLcIa1FEAy7HqsZezvAFl7jQ9FT1mchDQN3NPtePynMyrxk0WADMdSoNkAqjvIsHYycnQxWOVi8GKbnC7n3A/s640/IMG_1915ac1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-82028110004693289552016-07-18T23:08:00.000+01:002016-07-18T23:08:39.847+01:00Just Resting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaKkWOuByoPJrBi93DmRVoG5od9FGsZGSyFMlhgHCj7GxWYULf5u0VCEaKn-VxvZozUKaybQ0ou0kOLTv06BnGImF8lm05eCEVjRFch8G0yU4_QzMOE4auBPQ4DVCcXEww0klsAcaCng/s1600/IMG_1689acM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaKkWOuByoPJrBi93DmRVoG5od9FGsZGSyFMlhgHCj7GxWYULf5u0VCEaKn-VxvZozUKaybQ0ou0kOLTv06BnGImF8lm05eCEVjRFch8G0yU4_QzMOE4auBPQ4DVCcXEww0klsAcaCng/s640/IMG_1689acM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-42412935638616751652016-07-15T23:49:00.000+01:002016-07-16T00:21:15.158+01:00White-legged Damsels.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have previously posted images <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://fabirding.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/more-damsels-and-skimmer.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></b> of immature <b>White-legged Damselflies</b> <i>(Platycnemis pennipes)</i> and <b><a href="https://fabearlybirder.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/white-legged-damselfly-platycnemis.html" target="_blank">on my main blog</a></b> that I discovered last month close to Flag Pond on my local woodland butterfly transect. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I finally managed to find both the adult forms resting in the grassy area close to the muddy pond.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I30BQl3Vkyc/V4ljnpO_V6I/AAAAAAAAT-s/MOMIcazqXGYPUmgABZzlAugbUxFe7YNPgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1832cp1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I30BQl3Vkyc/V4ljnpO_V6I/AAAAAAAAT-s/MOMIcazqXGYPUmgABZzlAugbUxFe7YNPgCLcB/s640/IMG_1832cp1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
An adult female <i>(above)</i> and the adult male <i>(below)</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIk45EW6Z8E/V4loF4bcWzI/AAAAAAAAT-8/82uQOBqKez0kPE0Dg8TsmwSjfW7FPhhTACLcB/s1600/IMG_1829cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIk45EW6Z8E/V4loF4bcWzI/AAAAAAAAT-8/82uQOBqKez0kPE0Dg8TsmwSjfW7FPhhTACLcB/s640/IMG_1829cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_b9BOANRmk/V4ljtaUUZoI/AAAAAAAAT-w/ZZSBZirxRDI3tNNMiNo1SSmcDIaRpHZ2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_1826c1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_b9BOANRmk/V4ljtaUUZoI/AAAAAAAAT-w/ZZSBZirxRDI3tNNMiNo1SSmcDIaRpHZ2wCLcB/s640/IMG_1826c1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-48570793539056513212016-07-12T13:54:00.001+01:002016-07-12T13:54:33.833+01:00Large Skipper.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_pA5Q0Y0qQ/V4QfQSvK4gI/AAAAAAAAT8c/YufBuuPtajYKFXjCyoLxczrlQ2NDKHGiQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1474acM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_pA5Q0Y0qQ/V4QfQSvK4gI/AAAAAAAAT8c/YufBuuPtajYKFXjCyoLxczrlQ2NDKHGiQCLcB/s640/IMG_1474acM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Large Skipper</b></span> <i>(Ochlodes venata)</i> captured using the 70-300mm lens plus 1.4x converter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSsSzdv1JDw/V4QkW15Nm3I/AAAAAAAAT8s/kaJyP09MERANTAupGqXMy_Yw1DSKl_L5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1471cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSsSzdv1JDw/V4QkW15Nm3I/AAAAAAAAT8s/kaJyP09MERANTAupGqXMy_Yw1DSKl_L5ACLcB/s640/IMG_1471cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-73445017596490531202016-07-10T00:30:00.003+01:002016-07-10T00:30:54.173+01:00Silver-washed Fritillary.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iNNwkvD3Rw/V4GHy8FSobI/AAAAAAAAT78/pOhp91g89cAa32SSj0xLRUf6iZhNJB4VACLcB/s1600/IMG_1759bM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2iNNwkvD3Rw/V4GHy8FSobI/AAAAAAAAT78/pOhp91g89cAa32SSj0xLRUf6iZhNJB4VACLcB/s640/IMG_1759bM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Had just one brief opportunity yesterday morning to snap a <b>male <span style="font-size: large;">Silver-washed Fritillary</span></b> <i>(Argynnis paphia)</i> before it recommenced its territorial sorties. <b><i>FAB.</i></b>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-31761977506653956352016-06-28T00:04:00.001+01:002016-06-28T00:04:43.339+01:00Dark Green Fritillary.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFzrEzOMKK0/V3GvdU3vgoI/AAAAAAAAT4k/UWmtnbG_vtQ_z4mBbxEZBJrWgY2JNEl6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1640cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFzrEzOMKK0/V3GvdU3vgoI/AAAAAAAAT4k/UWmtnbG_vtQ_z4mBbxEZBJrWgY2JNEl6gCLcB/s640/IMG_1640cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
During a very blustery morning on the slopes at Juniper Bottom I saw my first <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dark Green Fritillary</b></span> of the season. This powerfully fast flying male led me a merry dance but I eventually gained just one opportunity as it briefly rested amongst the grasses. <i><b>FAB. </b></i></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-76203588947905726542016-06-15T18:22:00.000+01:002016-06-20T17:56:00.572+01:00Stags in Velvet.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNVaUZFpXz9BFXdXWsiHq6gkg83LBU_jEBD_7zCuGW1WuOJQRitaNROFrsdOVruEA8YiaCw3L8e3F3Qm4yFy4yyHfranttrq6WrG1fZH1xRwPyu0zK4nymkRHREoULXjbtMDxT9PeOrM/s1600/IMG_1233cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNVaUZFpXz9BFXdXWsiHq6gkg83LBU_jEBD_7zCuGW1WuOJQRitaNROFrsdOVruEA8YiaCw3L8e3F3Qm4yFy4yyHfranttrq6WrG1fZH1xRwPyu0zK4nymkRHREoULXjbtMDxT9PeOrM/s640/IMG_1233cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The local <b><span style="font-size: large;">Red Deer</span> stags</b> are beginning to sport their bright summer coats together with their new seasonal antlers which will be fully formed by mid to end of July.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkATWFXFEmUAcVPSzqctQknvr1vmBgSzY-B5Z5jLlYVb02oXRhffzDU26zBoYHxGYzbKHFJo7u1rRfouX5lV6rTROiUrEDFCQDZpcXs5uchEL1vniAVtkZJzWj_zj31R6vndvEcOYF4IU/s1600/IMG_1245c1M.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkATWFXFEmUAcVPSzqctQknvr1vmBgSzY-B5Z5jLlYVb02oXRhffzDU26zBoYHxGYzbKHFJo7u1rRfouX5lV6rTROiUrEDFCQDZpcXs5uchEL1vniAVtkZJzWj_zj31R6vndvEcOYF4IU/s640/IMG_1245c1M.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each antler grows from an attachment point on the skull called a pedicle and and grows faster than any other mammal bone. While in growth it is covered by highly vascular skin called velvet. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsg2HQMzZDM/V2QGjO_joNI/AAAAAAAAT0E/4rsWJAWJaJwC6yfDgPtRXfrWkDhRJMsjQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1335cpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vsg2HQMzZDM/V2QGjO_joNI/AAAAAAAAT0E/4rsWJAWJaJwC6yfDgPtRXfrWkDhRJMsjQCLcB/s640/IMG_1335cpM.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCoJB5Bh9hpa8sMI92Op7jnTPkn_rVqCp4OIfITUN45cx7-vpubWExgbQuEZhXwVR8hl7rq1y2B7wJKPW3xfRA1SBcVWZhFy9FWKQcAeMxrN24b4Hmn3m214UVwGn-BnXzSGOSPii3jA/s1600/IMG_1252bcM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCoJB5Bh9hpa8sMI92Op7jnTPkn_rVqCp4OIfITUN45cx7-vpubWExgbQuEZhXwVR8hl7rq1y2B7wJKPW3xfRA1SBcVWZhFy9FWKQcAeMxrN24b4Hmn3m214UVwGn-BnXzSGOSPii3jA/s640/IMG_1252bcM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a><br />
<a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank">Nature Notes</a><br />
<a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Through My Lens</a> FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629895395969773459.post-42418413340213067052016-06-13T19:00:00.001+01:002016-06-14T22:49:50.147+01:00More Damsels and a Skimmer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2EgJZOQBIk/V1xlmJfvb3I/AAAAAAAATug/meVbLLu1748oq8r4WSu7nIs9ahwcHKlFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1369cpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2EgJZOQBIk/V1xlmJfvb3I/AAAAAAAATug/meVbLLu1748oq8r4WSu7nIs9ahwcHKlFQCLcB/s640/IMG_1369cpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>White-legged Damselfly</b></span> <i>(Platycnemis pennipes). </i> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This immature female<i> (form lactae) </i>was one of two individuals recorded on my woodland butterfly transect over the weekend. This individual was fairly close to Flag Pond hiding in the grasses but the other was over 300 metres away perched on a bramble leaf. Apparently it is not unusual to find an immature up to 5 km away from water!</div>
<br />
The next two images can only be classed as record shots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBOPK0z6TGI/V11aPBX_XLI/AAAAAAAATuw/7A3TUPoO2pE0RmqeRpAdz6awm2jYRe15ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1156cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fBOPK0z6TGI/V11aPBX_XLI/AAAAAAAATuw/7A3TUPoO2pE0RmqeRpAdz6awm2jYRe15ACLcB/s640/IMG_1156cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blue-tailed Damselfly</b> </span><i>(Ischnura elegans)</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The females occur in five different colour forms. This individual with violet sides to the thorax would appear to be an immature female (form <i>violacea</i>) which will mature to have either male-type but pale-blue colouration (form <i>typica</i>) or olive green thorax plus a brown S8 (form <i>infuscans</i>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTnc5V99xRo/V11dWWOd-2I/AAAAAAAATu8/-VF8bPhVpSo2Q1F3ijuvY7ePSiacYhTwQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1193cpM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTnc5V99xRo/V11dWWOd-2I/AAAAAAAATu8/-VF8bPhVpSo2Q1F3ijuvY7ePSiacYhTwQCLcB/s640/IMG_1193cpM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A male </span><b>Red-eyed Damselfly</b></span> <i>(Erythromma najas)</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDpLYmE0Lw4/V11lUhJRgjI/AAAAAAAATvY/_338vdYYicokwKdG2fPUpV_uxFYMcsOyQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1311cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDpLYmE0Lw4/V11lUhJRgjI/AAAAAAAATvY/_338vdYYicokwKdG2fPUpV_uxFYMcsOyQCLcB/s640/IMG_1311cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Black-tailed Skimmer</b></span> <i>(Orthetrum cancellatum)</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This</span> was the most prominent dragonfly on the wing during my wander around the ponds in Bushy Park with the males <i>(image above)</i> taking a very brief rest in-between patrolling their territories, chasing away other males, whilst looking for a female to mate with.<br />
I eventually located the distinctively coloured teneral / immature, possibly female <i>(image below)</i> hiding deep within the grasses some way away from the water. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxLT7cB4-ax4ZW1baNsotcGlTnhLrnbxhXnbCOHPNaj9lYFzMLqSim3LhmOL9OxnGAYV3QpoEe0HDt9x66KZxboBhxyWEepkTdKTMaasF29ApqGjOl__AByULMZAehp4xrySOx0o8xQc/s1600/IMG_1326aM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxLT7cB4-ax4ZW1baNsotcGlTnhLrnbxhXnbCOHPNaj9lYFzMLqSim3LhmOL9OxnGAYV3QpoEe0HDt9x66KZxboBhxyWEepkTdKTMaasF29ApqGjOl__AByULMZAehp4xrySOx0o8xQc/s640/IMG_1326aM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank">Nature Notes</a>.<i> </i>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com5