Wildlife Corner

[Cathy]

Another thing this dertermined cat is looking for is my garden Lizard and I think he has cottoned on that I grow 'Cat Grass' for my indoor cat. I may have spooked him/her because now when it sees me at the door (about to pounce) it quickly skoots away ...

[Stanley]

A battle of wills. Guess who will win in the end. Lots of midges about in Valley Gardens in the mild spell we are having.

[Moh]

A skein of over 100 geese flew over our house in formation on Friday morning - they were heading East, not sure whether they were coming or going!!

[David Whipp]

This small murmuration of starlings was flying hard to stay still when we did a windy walk up Weets today.

[Stanley]

Geese.... Lovely! Starlings are good but geese more majestic. They remind me of the big bomber formations during the war.

[Tizer]

A Somerset wildlife photographer, Robin Morrison, has become very popular for his starling photos. I've just put a link on the Winged Heroes thread to his aircraft photos gallery but here is a page showing the various galleries with lots of great wildlife photos.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/68911555@N03/sets/

[Wendyf]

First curlew of the year heard and spotted coming out of the mist this morning. Looking back in the topic it was the 19th February last year...again heard through the mist!

[Stanley]

They have their own timetables don't they... We are seeing signs that winter is fading and Spring will take over shortly. Lovely!

[PanBiker]

A lovely fleeting experience whilst out on my walk today. I was down at Greenberfield locks and was just making my way up the path off the lane onto the canal bank by the feeder. I was watching a male Blackbird who flew into the tree at the side of the wall. I stopped to have a look at him and he flew off after a few seconds. He was followed though by a male Robin who perched on branch right next to me. I stayed perfectly still but slowly raised my right arm and offered him my hand. He eyed me over for a couple of seconds and then hopped on. He stayed for about 10 seconds and then flew off when he discovered I had nothing to offer him.

I have had experience of Robins interacting with me before when fishing. They would often perch on the rod and eye the bait boxes up. When no threat was detected they would fly down and help themselves to what was on offer. Never had one come directly to the hand though. Must remember to take some seeds or meal worm suet out with us when walking.

[Stanley]

Have a look at THIS report in the Express. Possibly the most improbable wild life pic I have ever seen.... A weasel riding on the back of a flying Woodpecker.... The man must have lightning reactions!

[Wendyf]

One of my swallows has just turned up....that is early! It was trying to get in the high window in the gable end of the barn but it was still closed against the east winds.

[Moh]

That is about a week early, perhaps the strong winds we had gave it a lift.

[Gloria]

Oh wow, we usually follow yours by a day or so I think.

[Tizer]

We too saw our first swallow of the year a couple of days ago flying along the river across the moor. Of course we're a couple of hundred miles south of Barlick. Of butterflies we've seen Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Brimstone and Green-Veined White so far. And clouds of midges each evening in the hot air above the patio for the last couple of days. It got to 18C here today!

[Stanley]

Did you open the window for it Wendy?

[Wendyf]

I couldn't reach it, but Col got it open as soon as he got home.

[Stanley]

Splendid! Looks like a nice day brewing up Wendy. I'll bet the lads are enjoying the sun on their backs.....

[Wendyf]

They are Stanley, and they have been staying out overnight which makes them more relaxed. I took this photo at 7.30 this morning when they were enjoying an early morning doze. They are looking a bit ragged at the moment, losing their winter coats, and Dennis is showing his age...especially in that relaxed pose!

[Tizer]

After mentioning the 4 butterfly species we've seen so far this year, today we saw a cabbage white and a speckled wood. It's all happening fast! Dandelions are out at the same time as celandine.

[Stanley]

When you get to the Pearly Gates Wendy, just show that pic to St Peter......

[Wendyf]

I'd be turned straight away for not grooming them enough!

[Stanley]

I don't think so Wendy, Dennis and his mate would put in a good word.... Looks like a bit of rain on their backs this morning and tomorrow..... I think of them often, they are lucky horses!

[Wendyf]

I've just brought them in for the rest of the day until the storm has passed. They will get a good grooming this morning.

[Stanley]

Best companion animal they could have...... Lovely!

[Gloria]

Our swallows arrived this morning, three days earlier than last year. They are already very busy in and out of the stables.