holdingmoments

Almost the weekend

2012-01-27T15:49:00.000Z

I'd usually do some flowers on a Friday, but I don't have any to hand, so I hope these few birds will do.

A male Goosander. Quite a few of these lovely birds around here at the moment.

Great Crested Grebe. A lot of these on my local lake at the moment, and the weed dance is in full swing too. I expect there'll be many more later in the year.

Grey Heron. This one looks like a juvenile to me.

Canada Goose. Another from my local lake. Always willing to pose, and such a rowdy bunch. I love 'em!

And finally

Siskin. Three of these, because they are one of my favourite winter visitors. Just beautiful.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, and have a great weekend.

Changes?

2012-01-24T06:26:00.000Z

A few years ago, before I joined blogger, I used Windows blogging tool, Windows Live, I think they called it. A lot of fun, and got to know a few people through it.

Then, Windows, in its wisdom, started to bugger around with it, changing bits and pieces, until in the end, a lot of people got fed up with it all, and left; me included.

Eventually they sent the whole idea over to Wordpress, and that was the end of an era.

Yesterday, Adrian did a very good post about Blogger.

I've had a look at the new templates, and stuff, that Google seem hell bent on thrusting upon us all, and I think they're crap. At the moment I like the way I can 'customise' this blog, and my other blog.

It seems I won't be able to do that soon.

Even now, with certain browsers, I can't access some of the 'widgets' from my dashboard.

Google Mail is not escaping this forced change either. The 'new look' will be mine soon, whether I like it or not. (I've already told them why I don't like it)

I don't like these changes, and I certainly don't like being forced to change.

I'll carry on for now, but when change arrives, that will be my cue to move on.

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After that rant, here's a picture I posted a couple of days ago, on my other blog.

Have a good day.

Single Sunday

2012-01-22T05:15:00.000Z

Another anniversary of sorts today.

2 years since I got up in the night thinking I had flu; and it turned out to be a heart attack. lol

Mute Swan

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Have a good day, wherever and whatever you are doing.

Birthday Post

2012-01-19T04:59:00.000Z

Today the blog is 3 years old.

I won't bore you with a load of stats; what is important is you.

Thank you for reading this.

And a big thank you to everyone else, who either follows, comments, or just passes through.

I've even met up with a few fellow bloggers while I've been doing this. That's one of the greatest things about all of this for me.

If I was better organised, maybe I would have had a selection of my favourite pictures, or some highlights from the last 3 years..............but I ain't organised in the least, so a picture from a few days ago.

Male Bullfinch

Hope everyone has a great day.

Single Sunday

2012-01-15T05:54:00.000Z

Just a quick post for this morning.

Mute Swan in the mist.

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I've a mixed week coming up.

Jim had an upset stomach last night, so not a good start to the day when I got up.

Monday, myself and Trevor are out for a trip to Pitsford.

Tuesday I have a funeral; my young niece died just before Christmas, and finally we can all say our last goodbyes.

And Thursday, a meeting with Dawn, from The Parks Trust, at my local lake, Caldecotte.

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Enjoy your day, wherever and whatever you are doing.

Willen Lake

2012-01-09T16:04:00.000Z

I'll do this post for WBW too. A bit early, but a few things going on in my life at the moment, that I'd rather not be happening.

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After topping up the seed at Caldecotte Lake this morning, I had a wander around one of our other lakes. It's the largest of the 11 balancing lakes in Milton Keynes. It does have a great selection of birds through the year; but it's also popular with the public.

It's split into two halves; north and south; one half, the south lake, is very busy, especially at weekends; the other, north lake, has a bird hide overlooking an island, a little quieter. Both halves can have a surprising number of birds.

The south lake has a bar/restaurant, a fitness centre, fishing,

water sports, rope climbing, crazy golf, boating,

a fun-fair at certain times of the year;

and still the birds come.

On the north lake, is the famous Peace Pagoda;

(an old picture.)

and a bird hide.

The bird hide overlooks an island, that is home to a few goats. These make an excellent job of keeping some of the vegetation down.

After climbing the million steps from the car park, and watching the gulls settle on the grass by the Peace Pagoda for an early breakfast, I made my way towards the bird hide. It was a dull and cloudy morning; but dry.

Lots of Lapwing up in the air, Cormorants on the spit of land in front of the island, and plenty of Coots, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall on the water.

I wandered past the bird hide, and made my way towards the south lake.

Mute Swans, more gulls, and in the distance, some Goldeneye. A few males were showing off, (throwing their heads back), to the seemingly disinterested females out on the water.

The bar/ restaurant, was in the process of a facelift. Sadly this involved the destruction of the old nests of the House Martins that come here every year to raise their families, and then depart to Africa for the winter. Hard enough with a journey like that, but imagine finding your old home demolished when you come back.

A group of Lapwing were making use of the launch pads of the boats,

along with some Greylag and Canada Geese.

After watching the hopeful Goldeneye, and a few geese flying around, I made my way back towards the bird hide on the north lake.

A large flock of Lapwing were still airborne, flying over the island on the north lake.

It seemed such a lot of energy expended to me; but there must be a reason for it.

Across on the far shore, I noticed what appeared to be some Shoveler. I had to get closer, and hopefully some pictures.

After a long walk round, I managed to get a little closer, before they decided to leave.

Back to the hide; and a sit down, I watched the group of Lapwings still flying, a Little Egret over by the island, and a group of Grey Herons, already building nests.

An enjoyable morning, and as I made my way back towards the car park, the sun began to come out. Typical!!

A longer video than I'd usually do; but it's a big lake!

A full list of the birds seen this morning.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)

Greylag Goose [sp] (Anser anser)

Greater Canada Goose [sp] (Branta canadensis)

Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope)

Gadwall [sp] (Anas strepera)

Common Teal [sp] (Anas crecca)

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Common Goldeneye [sp] (Bucephala clangula)

Little Grebe [sp] (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Great Crested Grebe [sp] (Podiceps cristatus)

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Little Egret [sp] (Egretta garzetta)

Grey Heron [sp] (Ardea cinerea)

Common Moorhen [sp] (Gallinula chloropus)

Common Coot [sp] (Fulica atra)

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

Common Gull (Larus canus canus)

Lesser Black-backed Gull [sp] (Larus fuscus)

Common Wood Pigeon [sp] (Columba palumbus)

Eurasian Collared Dove [sp] (Streptopelia decaocto)

Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii)

British Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus)

British Robin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)

Common Blackbird [sp] (Turdus merula)

British Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos clarkei)

Mistle Thrush [sp] (Turdus viscivorus)

British Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus rosaceus)

British Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus obscurus)

British Great Tit (Parus major newtoni)

Eurasian Magpie [sp] (Pica pica)

Carrion Crow [sp] (Corvus corone)

British Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula pileata)

Total species 36 plus Calling Duck

Goosander

2012-01-03T16:56:00.000Z

Here's a bumper post for the new year; and the first WBW of 2012.

I've recently spent some great moments in the company of some Goosanders.

Beautiful birds; although I guess the fishermen don't think so.

and a video too.

I hope this new year is everything, and more, that you wish for yourselves.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T14:32:00.000Z

I guess it's traditional this time of the year, to reflect back on what's happened.

Bugger! If only I was better organised.

Have no fear though, I did a highlight thing for the other blog, Caldecotte Lake; my local.

I've posted that, so if you want to have a look, trip on over there.

If you're still here, then I'll wish you a very happy new year.

A few quick highlights this year, for me, were:

Meeting, and spending a few days in the company of Adrian. Hope to do it again soon.

Some great days out in the company of Trevor. More again this coming year too, hopefully.

The days away, in Wales. Bird watching heaven! Thank you Jan. I can't wait to come back; if you'll have me.

A BIG thank you to all the people who follow this little bit of my life on the web, and all the people who leave their comments.

And last but not least, all the fantastic birds and other wildlife, that have made this year so memoriable for me.

I'll try to be more organised in 2012, and I'll probably start taking the medication again too.

Trio for WBW

2011-12-27T18:05:00.000Z

Had to dig deep into the archives for these, for the last WBW of the year.

Lapwing

Little Ringed Plover

Redshank

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Apologies if you've seen them before.

Take a wander over to The Pine River Review, for lots more birds from around the world.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

A trio

2011-12-26T05:59:00.000Z

From a few weeks ago.

Chaffinch

Dunnock

Nuthatch

Enjoy whatever you do after Christmas

Friday Flowers

2011-12-23T05:04:00.002Z

For Friday Flowers, how about an archive shot; but something to look forward to nonetheless.

To quote from one of Wordsworth's great poems, from 1804

a host of golden daffodils,
beside the lake, beneath the treees,
fluttering and dancing in the breeze

Enjoy your day, whatever you are doing.

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Christmas is coming up, and although I'm not one to get excited by it all these days, here's a card anyway, from Jim and myself, to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

A quick mid week post.

2011-12-21T09:42:00.000Z

A random selection of flight pictures, for the penultimate WBW of the year; and the last one before Christmas.

Canada Geese

Mute Swan

and again. Good, big subjects to practice on.

Oystercatcher

Mallards

Grey Heron

Lots more pictures from around the world, over at WBW.

Enjoy your day,

the rest of your week,

and your Christmas.

Single Sunday

2011-12-18T14:27:00.000Z

Goodness me, Sunday is nearly over. I almost forgot.

Oh well, here's today's..

Blue Tit

Enjoy the rest of Sunday.

Friday Flowers

2011-12-16T06:05:00.000Z

A quick post today. From the archives, Field Scabious.

Enjoy your day.

The first of the winter snow is falling here, and settling. A blood test later.

Be safe

Siskin

2011-12-13T16:58:00.001Z

A lovely little bird I've been fortunate to see quite a bit of recently.

In all plumages they show obvious green or yellow markings but can be told from the larger Greenfinches by the yellow bars across the mainly black wings. They have a distinctly forked tail and a long narrow bill. The male has a streaky yellow-green body and a black crown and bib.

The female does not have a black crown, or bib, and is more heavily streaked; whilst juveniles have browner upperparts, and are even more heavily streaked than the female.

For more birds from around the world, visit Dave, at WBW.

Monday Macro

2011-12-12T06:04:00.000Z

At least I got the day right this time; but I can't for the life of me think what this was.

Another from the vaults.

Enjoy your day.

Single Sunday

2011-12-11T06:04:00.000Z

An archive shot from the summer. It seems so long ago now.

Ringlet

Enjoy your day.

Just a few

2011-12-08T06:49:00.000Z

A random selection from my last visit to Wales.

Three birds symbolise Wales for me; the Red Kite, the Raven, and this beauty, the Buzzard.

Every day I would see these magnificent birds doing what they do best; riding the air.

Curlew.

Relentless rain, and gusts of wind up to 80 mph. Not the best of conditions, but I'm glad I went out.

Coal Tit. An energetic little bird.

Yellowhammer. A bird of the countryside and farmlands, that is on our red list, and in decline in some areas.

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and finally, for now,

Nuthatch. A bird that always reminds me of a bandit, with that black eye stripe.

The only European bird that can scramble head first down a tree trunk.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Monday Macro

2011-12-06T06:34:00.001Z

From the archives

Six-spot Burnett Moth

Enjoy your day

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Oooops, I've just realised it's Tuesday.
What happened to Monday?

Single Sunday

2011-12-04T09:13:00.000Z

Enjoy your Sunday.

I'll catch up eventually

A mix for WBW

2011-11-22T19:31:00.000Z

Like the title says, a mix for WBW, hosted by Dave, at the Pine River Review.

I'll start with a bird that's caused a bit of excitement where I live.

A juvenile Great Northern Diver; or Loon, as they are known over the pond. A fabulous bird, that has been here at my local lake for a week now. Usually seen around our coast at this time of year, and very occasionally inland. A great visitor, and a lifer for me.

Another great 'fisher', and a bit more common, is the Grey Heron.

Always good to see this large bird, but not always easy to capture with the camera.

He thought I couldn't see him here.

The Cormorant is another fish eating bird, that a lot of fishermen could do without, at their fishing grounds.

Probably because they can catch fish better than them.

The Black-headed Gull, will also eat fish.

In fact, he'll eat almost anything. A real chancer. When people throw bread for the ducks, chances are, they'll be there too; trying to steal it from the Mallards.

I'll finish with a pair of birds that were so common at one time, people wouldn't give them a second glance.

Now, however, in this country they are in serious decline, despite their inroads into most countries of the world.

Passer domesticus, or the House Sparrow.

See more birds from around the world at WBW

Great Northern Diver; Saturday Special

2011-11-19T05:03:00.001Z

A Great Northern Diver turned up at my local, Caldecotte Lake, on Wednesday afternoon, and has caused great excitement amongst the local birders, and some from a little further afield too.

A juvenile, that has decided to spend a few days here, in Milton Keynes.

They eat fish, naturally, which they dive for, usually in deep water.

The weird thing is, the water level of the lake had dropped considerably; strangely enough the night before he arrived.

A good two feet of the overall water level had drained away into the River Ouzel.

Considering the overall distance around the lake, is 4.2 km, that's a lot of water.

The official reason, from Anglia Water, I was told by a third party, was that the computerised sluice gate, that controls the flow in times of need, (after all, Caldecotte is one of 11 balancing lakes here), had stuck open Tuesday night, allowing the water to flow away.

Coincidently, (some might think), it was reported on the Wednesday, that Anglia Water had applied to the Environment Agency to be allowed to drain water from some rivers, into its reservoirs, because they are low.

I'm so cynical at times.

But back to this fabulous bird.

It's a bird that usually winters around our coast, and occasionally inland.

How long it will stay, is anyone's guess.

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Enjoy your weekend

Friday Flowers

2011-11-18T05:02:00.000Z

An archive shot, to try and make the sun shine today

Hope your day is sunny.

Some recent pictures

2011-11-16T05:21:00.000Z

For WBW, which is 1 year old.

Greylag Goose

Carrion Crow

Dunnock

Blue Tit

Robin

Great Tit

More great birds from around the world, over at Dave's, at WBW

This day last year

2011-11-15T05:34:00.000Z

I was curious to know what I'd taken pictures of, on this day last year.

Here's a few.

If you've seen them before, sorry.

If not, hope you enjoy them.

Either way, have a good day.

Monday Macro

2011-11-14T05:11:00.000Z

From the archives........a Common Blue Damselfly, female.

Enjoy your day.

I've got a busy one ahead, and a car service.

Single Sunday

2011-11-13T04:57:00.000Z

Enjoy your day

Staring Saturday

2011-11-12T11:26:00.000Z

As much as I dislike these Grey Squirrels, for destroying my feeders at my local lake, even I have to admit they can turn the cuteness on at times.

Have a good weekend

Friday Flowers

2011-11-11T05:36:00.000Z

Today is the 11th of November, Remembrance Day, in the UK, and it will be observed on Sunday 13th.

Today, from the archives; Poppies.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

John McCrae

Long Tailed Tits

2011-11-08T17:43:00.000Z

I had a visit a few weeks ago from these delightful little birds. A few minutes in the garden, and then they were gone.

For more wonderful birds from around the world, visit WBW.

Single Sunday

2011-11-06T05:23:00.000Z

Wheatear

Enjoy your Sunday

A few out of the archives

2011-11-05T06:01:00.000Z

...before these get lost on the hard drive.

Long Tailed Tit

Canada Goose

Grey Wagtail

Robin

Crow

Have a great weekend

Friday Flowers

2011-11-04T06:08:00.000Z

Yarrow, Achillea millefoliam

Yarrow is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, and naturalised in North America and most other countries throughout the world.

Its botanical name is derived from Achilles, the Greek hero.

It flowers from June to September; the flowers are white or pale lilac, being like minute daisies, in flattened, terminal, loose heads, or cymes.

The plant is rich in magnesium, calcium and phosphate. Sheep eat the plant when it is young, and for this reason it is sometimes included in grass seed mixtures. It is said to control diarrhoea in sheep. Yarrow has many herbal uses, but can cause skin irritation and rashes.

Yarrow is a very valuable medicinal herb, with much scientific evidence of use in alternative medicine as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, stimulant, and tonics, vasodilator, and vulnerary.

Yarrow is used against colds, cramps, fevers, kidney disorders, toothaches, skin irritations, and haemorrhages, and to regulate menses, stimulate the flow of bile, and purify the blood.

Medicinal tea is a good remedy for severe colds and flu, for stomach ulcers, amenorrhoea, abdominal cramps, abscesses, trauma and bleeding, and to reduce inflammation.

It was one of the herbs dedicated to the Evil One, in earlier days, being sometimes known as Devils Nettle,

Devil's Plaything, Bad Man's Plaything, and was used for divination in spells.

Other names include, Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Soldier's Woundwort, Knight's Milfoil, Thousand Weed, Nose Bleed, Carpenter's Weed, Bloodwort, and Staunchweed.

Enjoy your day

Jim and his new friends

2011-11-03T05:55:00.001Z

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Jim would like to introduce his new friends.

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Here's Bud, a bundle of energy, who can squeeze through the smallest gap, and loves to have fun all day.

Jim tries to keep up with him.

Bud likes to sleep in in the mornings; a shame Jim doesn't copy him there.

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And this is Poppy. She's more of Jim's age, and a little slower than Bud. A lady that constantly wags her tail.

They all wish you a great day

Three flyers

2011-11-02T13:04:00.000Z

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Great Crested Grebe.....juvenile

Little Egret

Enjoy your day.

A couple of Gulls

2011-11-01T06:13:00.000Z

What it says

Herring Gull.

Larus argentatus

Our archetypical seaside gull. Bold, brash and noisy. I love 'em.

Common Gull

Larus canus

Similar to look at, but smaller, a darker back, and greenish legs.

No wonder I get confused with their ID's.

Have a good day

The bridge

2011-10-31T06:02:00.000Z

Still trying to catch up, so bear with me for a while.

Here's a lovely little bridge from Llyn Brenig.

I'm sure I saw some fairies frolicking under it, in the sunlight.

I did see some Red Grouse a bit further along though.

Shopping later, and a trip to the vet for Jim. He's got an itchy ear.

Enjoy your day

Sunrise

2011-10-30T10:29:00.000Z

Not long back from another trip to Wales; and heaps of pictures to share later; and catching up with everything.

For now though, three shots of the sunrise yesterday. Straight out of the camera, with no processing.

Enjoy the rest of your day

2011-10-18T19:14:00.000+01:00

I went looking for rutting deer this morning, but only found this big man.

He was more interested in eating grass,

and posing.

And why not.

Single Sunday

2011-10-16T06:20:00.000+01:00

A Few for the Weekend

2011-10-15T12:31:00.000+01:00

A few pictures for the weekend.

A sunrise to kick things off.

A couple of mushrooms; I've no idea of their names though.

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Conwy Castle

A couple of views

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Sunlight over the sea

and a few birds to finish with;

Nuthatch

Curlews

Coal Tit

and finally

Meadow Pipit

Enjoy your weekend.

Dog

2011-10-14T08:00:00.001+01:00

I'm so unorganised at the moment, here's a picture of a couple of dogs having fun on a beach at Angelsey.

Enjoy the day

A few from Wales

2011-10-11T08:54:00.000+01:00

But first, the update on the feeders at Caldecotte Lake, can be found here.

But back to Wales.

What better way to start a day.

Wales has a lot of things, amongst them,

lots of sheep.

It also has lots of great birds.

This Turnstone was on a very windy beach at Newborough, Anglesey.

And lots of mountains.

These provide the backdrop at RSPB Conwy, a fantastic reserve.

Enjoy your day, whatever you are doing.

Me? I'm still up to my neck in bureaucratic paperwork. Good for the heart.

Back

2011-10-09T12:41:00.000+01:00

Had a few days away in Wales with Jim, so a very quick post, whilst I try to catch up with everything.

A pile of 'urgent' letters on the doormat, all needing my 'immediate' attention, when we got home ............................ so they'll have to wait. Not in the mood for urgency and bureaucracy at the moment.

And at Caldecotte Lake this morning, the Parks Trust left a note on my feeders;

maybe it's illegal now to feed birds. I'll find out tomorrow, when I ring them.

But Wales. Here's a few pictures for now, while I try and get myself organised.

Curlew

Nuthatch

A friendly Jackdaw

Herring Gull

Apologies if I don't catch up with everyone straight away. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Friday Flowers

2011-09-30T06:02:00.000+01:00

The Bells

Campanula rotundifolia

It's also known as Goblins, witches' or Pucks Thimble, and was traditionally linked to faries, witches and the Devil; and "should be picked at your peril". In Scotland it is commonly known as the Scottish Bluebell, as it is so widespread, although it is equally abundant in England and Wales.

The juice was an element in some of the witches 'flying ointment'. The name Harebells may also allude to a folk belief that witches used juices squeezed from this flower to transform themselves into Hares.

The widely distributed Harebell is easily identifiable by its fragile blue flowers that are shaped like bells and heart shaped leaves. Harebells generally grow in clumps which flower during July to September.

Enjoy the day

A few with the new camera

2011-09-29T06:40:00.000+01:00

Still loads going on here at the moment, so a few from the last couple of days, whilst playing around with the new toy.

Into the light

Light the path

Natures jewels

Winters food source

and finally, for now,

A delightful garden visitor; Long Tailed Tit

Enjoy your day

Caught in the sun

2011-09-27T04:25:00.000+01:00

Musk Mallow

Single Sunday

2011-09-25T12:07:00.000+01:00

Chiffchaff

(I've got forms to fill in now)

Have a great Sunday; what's left of it.

Back

2011-09-24T14:54:00.002+01:00

Ok, I think I'm back. For now, anyway.

I took a break from blogging for a few days. The computer seemed to be taking over my life.

Still got things to sort out, but nearly there; (and I treated myself to a new camera; now that's great therapy lol )

So for now, a few pictures. Most with the old camera, but a couple with the new one.

Comma

Unknown.....at least to me, anyway.

Harebell

Grey Heron

I wonder if Adrian will know this one?

Peacock

Spotted Flycatcher

House Sparrow

I'll do my best to catch up with everyone later.

Enjoy the weekend.

Monday Macro

2011-09-19T05:44:00.000+01:00

Had a fantastic day out with Trevor, of Three Counties Herald last Thursday. This is one of the dragonflies we saw, amongst loads of other birds, animals and insects.

Ruddy Darter

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Single Sunday

2011-09-18T05:55:00.000+01:00

My best friend

Jim, named after my other hero; Hendrix.

Enjoy your day.

Friday Flowers

2011-09-16T05:47:00.000+01:00

Short on words today; jolly job centre later this morning.

Todays flowers are Montbretia, or Crocosmia, if you want to be posh.

Easy to grow and brighten up any garden. They come into their own later in the year through to autumn. The orange or sometimes red flowers are trumpet shaped and appear alternately along the stems. The leaves are long and narrow.

Even butterflies like them. A Wall.

Enjoy your day.

2011-09-13T21:01:00.000+01:00

Sometimes we never know where the road we walk will take us.

A few birds from my recent visit to Wales.

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Stonechat

Meadow Pipit, with a Yellowhammer in the background.

Spotted Flycatcher

And to finish on, a bird I only usually see climbing a tree trunk. A nice change to see him 'perching'.

Treecreeper

More birds from around the world at World Bird Wednesday.

http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/

Monday Macro

2011-09-12T22:15:00.000+01:00

Better late than never..................

.....................maybe.

Single Sunday

2011-09-11T05:16:00.000+01:00

Horse

Enjoy the day

Friday Flowers

2011-09-09T05:04:00.000+01:00

Heather

Common Heather; calluna vulgaris or 'Ling' is a native of the British Isles and is found growing wild on moors, common land, hills and mountains throughout Britain.

Heather is unmistakable in late summer when its tiny lilac or pink flowers are open, and entire hillsides may be saturated with their colour.

Its flowers and leaves, which are like tiny overlapping scales, are much smaller than those of other heathers (Erica) species.

The plant was an invaluable resource for peasant communities; its springy, woody branches were used to stuff mattresses, to thatch roofs, to strengthen primitive mud and clay walls, and it was also made into household articles, such as brooms and rope.

The abundance of the flowers, and the sweetness of the nectar, make it a favourite of beekeepers; and the flowering tops have been used for making beer.

The young shoots are surprisingly soft and palatable, and provide food for game birds, such as grouse.

No prizes for guessing where these pictures were taken.

Enjoy your day, and 'be lucky'.

A taste of Wales

2011-09-06T11:36:00.000+01:00

I've just spent the most amazing few days I've had in a long time.

My heartfelt thanks to my lovely hostess for allowing me to stay, and share part of her life for a few days.

Six days in a cottage, up a Welsh mountain, waking up to sunlight creeping over a hill, blazing across the mountains, and

Buzzards

along with Ravens and Red Kites lording it over the skies; whilst on the ground,

more Meadow Pipits than I've ever seen in my life.

Stonechat

Wheatear

Yellowhammers.........Linnets......and Pied Wagtails running through the fields with the horses.

I was in bird heaven!

Pheasants, Wrens, Blackbirds, Coal Tits, and Swallows nesting in the stable.

A lot of birds.

And the Hare in the field every morning; the Wall butterfly, amongst others; and that was without leaving the cottage.

The trips across the heath-land

produced, along with the sheep, Red Kites, Buzzards and Ravens in numbers like you'd find pigeons in Trafalgar Square; and even Hen Harriers gliding the air, searching for a tasty snack.

Harebells seemed to be everywhere,

along with the fading Foxgloves.

Jim came with me, and apart from the journey, which he wasn't keen on, he had a great time too. He's not been in the best of health recently, so it was good to see him enjoy the whole experience.

He made friends with two lovely dogs; Poppy and Bod, and spent a lot of time being fascinated by the sheep and horses.

He had the freedom to roam the fields, and enjoy all the new smells; and even roll in some.

An amazing time. Hundreds of pictures to sort through, but first I've to try and catch up on things here. Bills to pay, shopping to get, and people to catch up with.

Instead of views of mountains,

it's back to the view of my garden fence, and houses.

I'm missing it already.

Monday Macro

2011-08-29T12:05:00.000+01:00

Marbled White

Part Two

2011-08-28T05:45:00.000+01:00

Part two of 'A Little bit of English Countryside'

Wilstone Reservoir.

A favourite of mine, the local birders, and the birds.

Amongst some of the birds seen, were Little Egret, plenty of Canada Geese flying in from the surrounding fields, and a juvenile Black Tern skimming over the water.

No pictures taken from here this trip worth showing, apart from this one,

Roy's bike?

but some video to give a flavour of the place titled part two.

The final destination was College Lakes.

We'll imaginatively call this, Part Three

Picture shortage again, so hopefully video will capture the feel.

It may be the 'flagship' reserve of the local Wildlife Trust, but I think too much money, (my money, because I'm a paying member), has been spent on a fancy visitor centre, and a luxury hide.

The visit kicked off to a good start with a Hobby circling the lake, and then making a half hearted attempt to chase down some circling Swallows. What a turn of speed he had! No video, I was too enthralled watching.

He quickly gave up though, and continued riding the air, scanning the area below.

A Buzzard sat atop a tree, until he was dislodged by a couple of Crows, and that was probably the real highlights.

The view from the 'wonderful' hide produced a Moorhen, and a couple of Mallards.

My own view, and just a personal view, is all the renovation and tarting up of the place has had a detrimental effect on some of the bird life. The place has become a sterile playground.

I walked round half of the reserve, and then gave up in disappointment, and turned back to the car park.

part three

(My visit produced 22 different birds; the birds outnumbered by the large amount of young screaming kids and mothers enjoying the sunshine.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind kids; but not when I'm trying to watch some birds and wildlife. Take 'em to the bloody park; not a nature reserve.)

Maybe I've turned into a grumpy old git.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

A little bit of English Countryside

2011-08-26T05:25:00.000+01:00

A bit of a change today.

(For a lady half way round the world, but missing a bit of England. Hope you enjoy it Gemel)

A few days ago, I had an enjoyable day out at three different places; all within a 30 minute drive from where I live.

I started at Ivinghoe Beacon; a prominent hill and landmark in the Chiltern Hills, standing 233 m (757 ft) above sea level. Some fantastic views on a clear day, and my intention was to get the sunrise.

Next stop was Wilstone Reservoir, just up the road. A mixture of water, farmland and woods; it's part of the 'Tring Reservoirs', and a great place for birds. It was constructed in 1802 to provide water for the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal.

Finally I stopped off at College Lakes, a nature reserve managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxford Wildlife Trust. Once a chalk quarry, College Lake has been restored over 20 years into a mix of different habitats and is now one of their flagship reserves.

Maybe I should do this in 2 or 3 parts; it might turn into a monster; especially with the video.

Ivinghoe Beacon

After making my way to the top, I was ready to die. I struggled to get my breath, and my chest felt a bit tight. It certainly got the heart pumping!

The anticipation of the rising sun was growing, as the sky took on a red hue.

And soon the sun rose on the horizon.

The view from the top of the hill was pretty good.

The early morning mist shrouded the landscape like water.

As the sun climbed the sky, everything took on a brief golden glow.

An amazing amount of Harebell adorn the summit too.

Birdlife from the top of the hill included Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, and a large flock of Linnet, that took a liking to a particular tree.

A few butterflies; amongst them this one,

Common Blue

And then the easier walk down towards the car park. The sun, now higher in the sky, backlighting the trees in the distance.

Next stop, Wilstone Reservoir. I'll do that in part two.

A video, to try and capture the 'feel' of the morning.

Enjoy the upcoming day and weekend.

The Look

2011-08-23T16:21:00.000+01:00

I love the way birds give you that certain 'look' at times.

Here's a variety of 'looks'

The casual, over the shoulder glance, that says 'I know you're there!'

A Dunnock. He knows I'm there, but feels fairly safe with distance.

Grey Heron. 'Don't come any closer, I see you.'

Then there's the 'startled look'

Reed Bunting. 'Where did you come from?'

One of my favourite 'looks' is the 'intense stare'

Willow Warbler

Reed Warbler

But who can resist the 'curious stare'

The WTF! look, as the shutter fires, and the birds curiosity is greater than the desire to move on.

Greylag Goose

Dunnock

And my favourite little 'lookers', get two pictures to end with

Long Tailed Tit

Visit WBW for more 'great lookers' from around the world

Monday Macro

2011-08-22T04:08:00.000+01:00

Apologies if you've seen this before. It's one I posted the other day on my other blog, but I'm in a rush today; off out up a hill, and some water.

Southern Hawker

Back later. Enjoy the day

Single Sunday

2011-08-21T05:39:00.000+01:00

Just the one

juvenile Long Tailed Tit

Enjoy the rest of the day

Friday Flowers

2011-08-19T05:49:00.000+01:00

Odontites verna

Flowering between June and September, Red Bartsia is a parasitic plant living partially off grass roots. It grows 15-40 cm high. (6" to 16")

A much overlooked plant, Red Bartsia has a dusty, careworn appearance, due to its dense covering of fine hairs.

It's a straggly, downy plant with narrow, toothed leaves that sit opposite each other along the stems. All the flowers on one stem face in the same direction.

It is a common plant of roadside verges, railway cuttings, waste grounds and other disturbed ground.

A short post today.

Enjoy the upcoming weekend, whatever you are doing.

WBW, the young ones.

2011-08-16T22:46:00.000+01:00

A few juveniles

Long Tailed Tit

Willow Warbler

Reed Warbler

Robin

Goldfinch

Crow

Pied Wagtail

Mallard

and finally, for now,

Blue Tit

For more birds from around the world, young and old, visit WBW

Monday Macro

2011-08-15T06:38:00.000+01:00

My last week of work starts very soon this morning. A mix of early and late shifts, so blogging might be a bit erratic.

Anyway, for today, while I have a few macro's, here's another butterfly. This species is a lovely little visitor to my garden every year.

Holly Blue

Have a good week.

Single Sunday

2011-08-14T04:04:00.000+01:00

For today

Have a good Sunday

Friday flowers

2011-08-12T04:12:00.001+01:00

Yellow Loosestrife

Lysimachia vulgaris

Also known as Yellow Willowherb, Moneywort, String of Sovereigns, Willow Wort and Wood Pimpernel.

Unrelated to Purple Loosestrife (which flowers at the same time of year and in the same habitats), and despite its structural similarity, Yellow Loosestrife is actually a member of the primrose family. It is common throughout the UK and Ireland and can be found in northern European countries, too,

As a general rule it is the early spring flowers that are yellow, but here is a late summer plant that has stunning bright yellow flowers to brighten up the countryside when it is becoming more dominated by blues and pinks.

The yellow flowers (June-September) are borne in long-stalked clusters from the upper leaf axils.

The Yellow Loosestrife is a tall, handsome plant, from 2 to 3 or even 4 feet high,

found as a rule on shady banks or crowning the herbage of the stream-side vegetation. It has a creeping root, which persists year after year, and every spring throws up afresh the tall, golden-topped stems, whose flowers are at their best in July and August.

Each flower is about 3/4 inch in diameter, forming a cup of five petals, quite distinct at their tips, but joined together near the base.

When the flowers droop, the five-pointed calyx, whose edges are fringed with fine red hairs, are seen at the back of the petals. The five stamens look quite separate, but are joined together at the bottom by a fleshy band attached to the petals, so that they seem to stand on a little glandular tube.

An astringent herb, yellow loosestrife is principally used to treat gastro-intestinal conditions such as diarrhoea and dysentery, to stop internal and external bleeding and to cleanse wounds

It makes a serviceable mouthwash for treating sore gums and mouth ulcers.

Believed to quieten enraged beasts and, if put about the yoke of oxen, would calm them. Gargle for sore throat. Root infusion for jaundice and urinary problems. Gnats and flies dislike the plant so it was smoked indoors to get rid of them.

Pliny (AD 23-79) recorded that lysimachia, the plant's Latin name, was a tribute to King Lysimachus of Sicily, who was the first to discover its medicinal benefits. The name "loosestrife" refers to the plant's reputed power to prevent conflict, particularly between animals, and to repel insects.

Enjoy the up coming weekend

Green Woodpecker

2011-08-09T16:13:00.000+01:00

Picus viridis

The Green Woodpecker is the largest of the three woodpeckers that breed in Britain,

and its loud laughing call has earned it the country name of the 'Yaffle'.

My usual view of this bird is,

It has a heavy-looking body, green mantle and wings, yellowish rump and whitish underparts. The crown and nape are red, with a black marking around the white eye.

Females can be told from males by their completely black moustache and smaller eye-patch. Males have a streak of red along their black moustaches.

The tail is short, blackish with green barring, the bill is strong, and grey-black.

The legs are olive-grey.

Juveniles are copiously streaked and barred on the face, neck and underparts. Also, their upperparts are greyer with scattered pale spots and the moustache is speckled.

They resemble adults after moulting in August-November.

They have an undulating flight, and will climb up tree trunks and branches, and move around to be on the side away from anyone watching.

As with other woodpeckers, the stiff tail feathers are used as a prop when it is clinging to a tree and its toes are specially arranged with two pointing forwards and two backwards.

They are a woodland bird and feed on insects, such as ants, beetles and caterpillars, by extracting them from crevices in trees with their long sticky tongue. The tongue of the Green Woodpecker is so long (10cm) it has to be curled round its skull. The tongue, which is armed with barbs at the end, is used for extracting ants.

They are often seen feeding on ants on the ground, in garden lawns and pastures.

A handsome bird

To finish, a short video clip of a juvenile, taken at my local lake.

More birds from around the world can be seen at Springmans WBW

Monday Macro

2011-08-08T17:54:00.000+01:00

There's probably hundreds of blogs today with this title.....

here's mine.

Common Blue

Single Sunday

2011-08-07T05:05:00.000+01:00

Female Blackcap

Enjoy the rest of your weekend

Friday Flowers

2011-08-05T05:07:00.000+01:00

In the red.

Musk Mallow, Malva moschata. A neater and more elegant relative of the common mallow. A perennial of slightly neglected open grasslands on well-drained soils.

It is found in hedge banks, road verges, lightly grazed pasture, meadows and waste land, flowering from June to August/September.

The flowers of Musk Mallow have a musky smell, hence the common name. They have five petals which are lobed, pale pink with fine, darker pink veins.

The stems and the lobed leaves are hairy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Red Clover, Trifolium pratense. A perennial with trifoliate leaves, which belongs to the family of Leguminosae, and grows in a wide range of grasslands.

Other names for red clover are cow clover, purple clover and bee-bread.

The flowers are variable in colour, from pink to deep red.

A plant much loved by bees, and also used medicinally to treat a number of conditions, including cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations.

Red clover also grows well in grazing land where it binds nitrogen into the soil. Planting red clover will improve the soil because the roots have special nodules that house nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These bacteria can grab nitrogen from the air in the soil and make it available to the plant. When the red clover plant decomposes it makes that nitrogen available to the soil.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whatever you are doing, enjoy the upcoming weekend.

WBW

2011-08-02T22:43:00.000+01:00

A few little brown ones, for World Bird Wednesday

Almost our smallest bird; the Wren

Juvenile House Sparrow

About as plain looking as they come, Garden Warbler

Peeping from the reeds, a Reed Warbler

and finally, a Blackcap, stretching his wings.

For more birds, from around the world, visit WBW

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And finally, anyone who's reading this, that cares about the proposed slaughter of Badgers in this country, because of the mistaken belief that they are the cause of Bovine TB in cattle, I'd ask you to click this link to The Badger Trust.

The Badger Trust is the only charity dedicated to the conservation of badgers throughout England, Wales and all Ireland. Have a look at their website, see what they have to say about it, make up you're own mind, and if you decide that what this government are proposing is wrong, please sign the petition on the home page.
Thank you.

Single Sunday

2011-07-31T05:09:00.000+01:00

Didn't know what to go with today; a bird, or a plant for today's single.

I decided on this one.

Have a good Sunday

Friday Flowers

2011-07-29T05:01:00.000+01:00

Invaders and killers.

I should have spent more time sorting out this one; an interesting subject.

One of the big invaders (we're told), along our waterways, and rivers, is the Indian Balsam.

It comes in pink, red, white, and shades in between, and has as many names too amongst them, Himalayan Balsam, Policeman's Helmet, Poor man's Orchid, Nuns, Jumping Jacks, Stinky Pops and Bee-bums. It was introduced to the UK by a remarkable man, John Forbes Royle. Royle was born in India in 1799 but educated in Scotland, developing an interest in botany.

Another plant, from the same family, Balsaminaceae, is the Orange Balsam.

Like the Indian Balsam, this riverside plant is also a foreign import, but from North America. It occurs frequently along rivers and lake edges, but it is not as invasive as Indian Balsam. Because the ripe seed pods explode on contact it is also known as 'Touch-me-not'.

A Killer next? Well, Lord's and Ladies does have poisonous berries.

Arum maculatum is a common woodland plant species of the Araceae family. It is widespread across temperate northern Europe and is known by an abundance of common names including Wild arum, Devils and Angels, Cows and Bulls, Cuckoo-Pint, Adam and Eve, Bobbins, Naked Boys, Starch-Root and Wake Robin.

The berries contain oxalates of saponins which have needle-shaped crystals which irritate the skin, mouth, tongue, and throat, and result in swelling of throat, difficulty breathing, burning pain, and upset stomach.

A well known poisoner is the Foxglove.

Digitalis purpurea, or also known as, Dead Men's Bells, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Thimbles, Floppy Dock, and Throatwort.

Due to the presence of the cardiac glycoside digitoxin, the leaves, flowers and seeds of this plant are all poisonous to humans and some animals and can be fatal if eaten.

Enjoy the weekend, and be careful what you eat.

A few for WBW

2011-07-26T17:29:00.000+01:00

A Grey Heron takes to the air, after being disturbed, and yells his dissatisfaction.

An Oystercatcher shows his disapproval from the other end.

A Stock Dove, like most of his family relatives, does it silently.

A juvenile Blue Tit, just watches

And a tired Swallow, just rests a while, before continuing his long journey.

Wherever you are, take it easy, and enjoy the birds from around the world, with World Bird Wednesday.

Single Sunday

2011-07-24T04:29:00.000+01:00

Just the one

Enjoy the rest of the weekend

Friday Flowers

2011-07-22T05:15:00.000+01:00

I thought we'd go all mellow yellow today.

I'll start with a Lily, taken in my garden last month.

While I'm in the garden, this next one has got some yellow in it.

I think it's a Nemesia of some sort. I love the red and yellow.

Back out in the outdoors, a cheery flower that seems to grow in any grass, or lawn.

Buttercup.

A wet day when I took this next one.

Common Bird's-foot Trefoil.

And to finish, back in the garden, and something to hopefully bring some sunshine where it's needed.

Sunflower

Hope the sun shines where you are; and have a good weekend.

Three mid week

2011-07-20T12:29:00.000+01:00

Juvenile Coot

Common Sandpiper

Mute Swan

Soon be the weekend

Single Sunday

2011-07-17T10:13:00.000+01:00

Another week been and gone. Where was I? I missed it.

Just the one today.

Hope the weather is better where you are. Enjoy the day

Friday flowers

2011-07-15T04:15:00.000+01:00

I'm still around; just. It's been a crazy week at work, and quite busy out of work too. Not many weeks to the end for me now, and a lot of friends and colleagues leave today and tomorrow. Still busy with union stuff, a new front door fitted at home yesterday, a cardiac clinic the day before, that was cancelled on the day, and Jim wakes me around 2:30 a.m. every day. Then when I get up, he has the cheek to go back to sleep!
I'm tired.

Yellow Flag

Maybe this should be a 'white flag'; I feel like surrendering!
Just the one picture today.

Enjoy whatever you do today, and do it well.

Single Sunday

2011-07-10T01:02:00.001+01:00

Just the one

Mute Swan cygnet

Enjoy the rest of the day

Friday Flowers

2011-07-08T04:54:00.000+01:00

Purple and prickly.

But first, something green and soft, 'cause I need some help with the ID.

I found this on a Willow, at the edge of my local lake. It looks like a ball of moss. No idea if it's growing there, or a nest of some sort. Any ideas?

I've since found quite a few, of varying sizes.

Ok, purple prickly time.

A very random selection, mostly various thistles. First up is a Teasel though.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

Blue Tits

2011-07-05T18:02:00.000+01:00

Way back in April, I had a few days off work, the weather was hot and sunny, and I'd previously made arrangements to visit a fellow blogger, Adrian, who was up in the Lake District, parked up in a beautiful spot at Patterdale; a stones throw from Ullswater.

I did a couple of posts about it after I came back; they're here and here.

One particular morning, after getting up with the lark, we headed off to the waters edge, armed with our cameras and the two dogs. A few pictures were taken, and I watched a couple of Blue Tits flying around from a nearby tree.

Suddenly they were locked together as one small ball of blue and yellow feathers, and fell to the ground.

The following shots were quickly taken, before an inquisitive Molly, or was it Archie, intervened. They quickly flew up into the trees, and all became calm again.

But, for a few moments, a ferocious battle had taken place.

Sorry about the picture overload, but it was fascinating to observe.

Lots more fascinating subjects over at World Bird Wednesday.

Just a quick one

2011-07-04T15:09:00.000+01:00

Two gulls, a tern, a warbler, and a moth.

Dug these from the archives; back to some sort of normal soon, I hope.

Black-headed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Common Tern

Chiffchaff

No idea which moth this.

And the archives yielded something interesting from my visit to the lakes when I saw Adrian, back in April. I'll sort them out for next time.

Enjoy the rest of the day

Friday Flowers

2011-07-01T04:11:00.000+01:00

Well, another week has caught me out. I went to bed on Tuesday, and suddenly it's Friday. Where has the week gone?

Flower time again, and I've not really sorted out anything how I'd like to have done; but here's a lovely little flower, that seems to be in full bloom everywhere there's grass at the moment.

Prunella vulgaris

Probably better known by it's common name, Self-heal, although I found it to have many other names.

Square stem, Thimble flower, Sickle-heal, Sicklewort, Slough-heal, Hookweed, Panay, Proud carpenter, Herb carpenter, Hercules' all-heal, Hook-heal, Carpenter's herb, Heart of the earth, Brunel, Caravaun bog, Carpenter grass, Blue curls, Brownwort, Heal-all, All-heal, Bumble-bees, Herb, Fly Flowers, Heart of the Earth, Hook-heal, London Bottles, Pick Pocket, Pimpernel, Prince's Feather.

Self-heal is a native perennial found in grassland, lawns, wood clearings, field margins and rough ground. It is abundant in grassy places except the most acid.

It is incredibly vigorous, and spreads by underground stems that shoot out in every direction once the first root is stuck in the ground. Self Heal grows up to 60 cm high, with a thick dark green stem with a few broad leaves and purple-brown, blue-purple flowers, and flowers from May to September.

Selfheal has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine.

Prior to World War II, it was used to staunch bleeding and for treating heart disease. A decoction of the leaves was used to treat sore throats and internal bleeding. It is used as an anti-inflammatory and has anti-allergic activity. In western medicine it is used externally for treating minor injuries, sores, burns, bruises and can also be used as a mouthwash to treat mouth ulcers.

According to the 16th-century herbalist John Gerard, ‘there is not a better wounde herbe in the world’.

The 17th-century botanist Nicholas Culpeper wrote that the plant is called selfheal because ‘when you are hurt, you may heal yourself’.

Enjoy the rest of your day