River walk

Friday 28 October 2011

Almost "birdless" between Benson and Shillingford but several dragonflies, the only one that obliged by sitting within view and long enough to be identified was a Migrant Hawker.  Chances are that so were the others as they were that sort of size!  Also lots of Caddis Flies on the wing.  If we hadn't had this warm spell could they have put off "fledging" until the spring??

Garden and Ewelme cress beds

Thursday 20 October 2011

Hedgehog still active in the garden overnight despite the thermometer registering -2°C.  The low temperature, however, encouraged a Water Rail and Green Sandpiper to the warmer water of the Watercress Beds.  Also noted a couple of Blackcaps and the usual Grey Wagtail and Heron.

Dorchester WeBS Count - October

Monday 17 October 2011

Needed more fingers today with a total of 2659 birds of 23 species counted.  Highlights were 117 Lapwing, 113 Golden Plover and 15 Egyption Geese.  Two large flocks of geese totalling over 700 birds.  Large mixed flock and close ups of Egyption Geese below.

Indoors Moth

Monday 3 October 2011

Why is my conservatory so attractive to this species?  First one this year but seems to happen most years and sometimes more than once.  I gave this Humming Bird Hawk Moth its freedom at lunch time today.  Not so spectacular at rest but much easier to photograph.

The garden at night

Sunday 2 october 2011

Taken on my infra-red trail camera last night.  The hog is "hoovering" up all the dried mealworms I put out.