Friday 29 April 2016

New flower

Friday 29 April 2016

The results of son Ian collecting seeds from Berkshire BBOWT reserves seems to be bearing fruit. For the first time two Green-winged Orchids were discovered in the wildflower meadow at Ewelme Watercress Beds.


Thursday 28 April 2016

Ladybirds on the move

Thursday 28 April 2016

In one small patch of nettles there were 5 species of ladybird - 14 spot, 7 spot, 14 spot, 2 spot and Harlequin. An obliging Chiffchaff posing for me.




Wednesday 27 April 2016

This and that

Wednesday 27 April 2016

The fourth butterfly species of the year (a Green-veined White) on the cress beds appeared even though the weather was more like February.

Nice picture of a Heron standing on a fence - well I like it!


Also my first dragon/damsel of the year - a large red sunning itself in the garden.


Tuesday 26 April 2016

Almost a twitch - for me

Tuesday 26 April 2016

I was alerted to the presence of a pair of Garganey at Dorchester (thanks Alan) and, as it was within my twitching limit of 10 miles, I couldn't resist.

A very distant photo but you can almost tell what they were!


Sunday 24 April 2016

Bird number 60

Sunday 24 April 2016

A skulking Lesser Whitethroat joins the 2016 list for the Watercress Beds. The linnets and a Treecreeper seem to have taken up temporary residence - let's hope they stay to breed!

Thursday 21 April 2016

Good finds - for Ewelme

Thursday 21 April 2016

A couple of unusual birds for the beds at Ewelme. Probably won't get the twitchers excited but I'm pleased by smaller things. A couple of Linnet which are surprisingly scarce on the site and Treecreeper - only the 5th record ever!


Friday 8 April 2016

Dorchester WeBS count

Friday 8 April 2016

44 species but nothing very special. Goldeneye and Oystercatcher probably the best finds and both Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing - definitely springlike. A pair of Egyptian Geese have had young but only two - wonder what happened to the rest?




Thursday 7 April 2016

Another year tick for the cress beds

Thursday 7 April 2016

First sighting of a Curlew from the beds since 2007 - bit distant as it was on the airfield but they all count!

Tuesday 5 April 2016

He doesn't want to leave

Tuesday 5 April 2016

The Mandarin must have a taste for watercress as he seems to prefer life with us than going off to search for a mate!


Friday 1 April 2016

And another year tick

Friday 1 April 2016

Good morning visit to the Watercress Beds with all the usual culprits on show but a pair of Siskin on the feeders was a surprise. This Goldcrest was flicking about in the Christmas tree and to top it all off my fist House Martin of the year over Benson on my return. Perhaps spring has really arrived!