Saturday 6 June 2015

Heathland Wildlife.



During a recent break from wielding the paint brush I visited Thursley Common and wandered the various tracks and pathways around this lowland heath habitat under a blue, cloud strewn sky and a very gusty south-westerly wind. 

Not surprisingly in such windy conditions there was very little activity on the acidic bog pools but after a patient search I managed to grab a shot (above) of a Four-spotted Chaser (Libellula quadrimaculata) who stopped patrolling for a brief rest.

During periods when the sun became unshackled from the drifting clouds I was joined on the boardwalk by one of a few Common Lizards soaking up the rays.


During a lengthy detour across the heath the only other Odonata that came within range of the lens was this male Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum).





Throughout my visit the birds weren't very co-operative despite seeing or hearing Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Common Whitethroat, Curlew, Cuckoo, Willow Warbler, Linnet, several Woodlark, Skylark, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Carrion Crow and Kestrel.

In a small wooded area this Coal Tit constantly called as it collected food for its nestlings.
 




One heathland species that you can almost guarantee that will pose for the lens is the Stonechat.


Linking to Saturday's Critters.

18 comments:

  1. I love the stonechat so cute. Now get back to that paint brush. Carol

    ReplyDelete
  2. adorable little lizard! beautiful stonechat!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great pictures you have here.
    In Norway only rains currently.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    K

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Stonechat is a beauty Frank.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi FAB! I believe my favorite is that pretty little Stonechat!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. FRom my vario0us blog and twitter feeds, the chaser subspecies is busy emerging and providing great photo opps like you got!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds like a great outing, the lizard is cool and I love the damselfly and the birds. The Stonechat is a beauty! Great shots! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like your feathered friends!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful selection of images!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great photos....especially love the Stonechat singing. Nice place!

    ReplyDelete
  11. ...cute little lizard, Frank! ...and I love the last photo of the Stonechat (a sweet bird with a cool name). :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great shot of the lizard Frank. Birds can be so frustrating at times, but the Stonechat is always a bonus to see.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love your dragonfly/damselfly shots! beautiful. Great looking lizard too. But my favorite is the last shot of the stonechat!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Can't remember the last time I saw a lizard.....except when I have been on holiday abroad.
    The Stonechat is so beautiful.....

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lovely photos! I love the lizards. I think they're very cute.

    ReplyDelete

I hope you enjoyed your visit and I always appreciate your comments and feedback.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails