The boots took a long overdue circuit around Horton Country Park today. I was out for over 3 hours following the footpaths and tracks across fields, around the horse paddocks and the pond close to the Golf Course. Sightings included Dunnock, Collared Dove, Woodpigeon, Jay, Magpie, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Robin, House Sparrow, Starling, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Nuthatch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch (heard) and Coot (heard). The highlights were a Common Buzzard soaring high up on the early afternoon thermals, a Hobby hunting and a very brief view of a male Bullfinch but regretfully no useable pictures.
Millions of thistle seed heads just waiting for a strong wind to disperse them everywhere.
Despite the wild flowers and autumn fruits there was little in the way of 'fluttering' activity except
lots of Speckled Wood and a single Meadow Brown.
A Robin peeked out from its shaded perch.
The grasses were swaying in the gentle breeze.
and finally Common Darters made an appearance.
Have a good wildlife weekend wherever you are and whatever you are doing ....... FAB.
Nice speckled wood. And it looks like you had a great walk all round.
ReplyDeleteThose thistle seed heads look a magnet for the Goldfinches, and that's a cheeky pose of the Robin.
ReplyDeleteHi Wilma. Well at least it was good exercise for the legs!
ReplyDeleteHi Keith. So where were all the Goldies?
All your photos are so nice, but I especially like the thistle head photo. Your Robin is pretty cute too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyhearing about you local walks Frank, hope you post a few more mate.
ReplyDeleteA very enjoyable walk, Frank! Lovely photos, such a pretty little Robin :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like fall is coming right around the corner.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fine series of everything that lives in your patch.
ReplyDeleteLove the montage of all the wildflowers and fruits - a really nice collection of pics - sums up this time of year beautifully - not the range of butterflies etc here either - I'm sure there were a lot more around this time last year? Miranda
ReplyDeleteHI Frank....I sure am slow on my comments lately!!
ReplyDeleteI like both of the collaged photos ..especially the one with the berries!!
Butterflies and dragons always a hit but how much longer will that last!
Hope all is fine!!
Especially liked the robin - a different view and angle on one of your familiar birds
ReplyDeleteLovely collages of your local patch Frank and its that time of year coming on now when we start photographing Robins.{:)
ReplyDeleteWonderful images once again, especially the robin all turned around to be sure you were getting a good shot of her.
ReplyDeleteHi Mona. Yeah, plenty of seeds but no birds! Our Robins usually like to pose for a photo.
ReplyDeleteHi Warren. I'll do my best.
Hi Jan. Thanks.
Hi Steve. Yes, not too far away I fear.
Hi Bob. I'm sure ther are lots more to be found but on this occasion many where in hiding!
Hi Miranda. I've just done a quick tally and I've seen 28 butterfly species fairly close to home this year so not a bad haul.
Hi Grammie. Me too...sorry. I have a few more posts up my sleve but
hopefully the birds will come to the fore before too much longer.
No change on the PJB issue.
Hi Chris P. Yeah, this one decided to stay under cover!
Hi Roy. Cheers. Yes, hopefully a few species will be more accommodating soon.
Hi Lois. Thank you.
Lovely compilation shots of the local fauna Frank, Linda
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda.
ReplyDelete