Final throws of summer?

Friday 30 September 2016

As it was warm and I had an hour to spare I thought I would try my butterfly transect at the cress beds. Just at the start a big "thing" fluttere3d past me showing red - ah red admiral I thought but it didn't look quite right and luckily it settled to reveal itself as a Red Underwing moth. That was the first surprise and the second was a new moth for the year at the site - a Small Copper.

Just 5 species in all, Large White, Small White, Red Admiral, Comma as well as the Small Copper.

September Battle Farm Survey

Sunday 25 September 2016

Not very special with just 31 species and a total of 214 birds. I guess many are changing their coats and that together with the brisk wind kept many in cover. Highlight was a Whinchat, first for several years here.

The Deer that thinks it is a cow remains with the herd - not sure what happens when they go off to market but the deer is keeping such close company that it might well follow them into the wagon. The odd thing is that an adult is also in the field but not at all tame, racing to the opposite corner of the field when it sees me.

Heron feeding

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Not too sure what this is - possibly field vole - but should save some of our fish for another day.

Nearly there with the pond

Friday 26 August 2016

Installed the pre-planted coir mats along one side so just odds and ends to finish off. Had to pump more water from the watercress beds in which I didn't like doing because of the phosphates but it just won't rain.

Apologies - just a phone picture will take my camera tomorrow if it doesn't rain!

Brown and Yellow

Thursday 25 August 2016

The brown was a trout, holding station in the stream and the Yellow a smart Yellow Wagtail - I seem to be seeing more yellows than greys at the moment - most unusual.

Another butterfly for the year

Monday 22 August 2016

21st butterfly species for the year at the Ewelme Cress Beds - a Painted Lady. Seem to have missed out on Brown Argos and Small copper this year but still hoping for a Clouded Yellow.

Kingfisher and Yellow Wags

Thursday 11 August 2016

Kingfisher is getting more regular on the cress beds and 5 (FIVE!) Yellow Wagtails still around on the concrete bund outside the Watercress Centre.