April 2020 Lockdown Excercise Walk ~ Farmland birds nest building

It was great to get out for my local patch walk today.  I was excited to see farmland birds bringing in some nest material and the breeding season is definitely well underway.  I watched this pair of Linnets for a few minutes and it was great to observe their behaviour.  They always come and go together but it seemed that it was only the female bringing in the material and building the nest.  The male just posed on nearby branches. Admittedly looking quite smart with his crimson streaks of breast feathers. With this loose grassy material I could image a loose scruffy nest.

Female bringing in some nice dry grass

And some more

This smart male just posed nearby.  He always escorted the female on her forays but never helped. Perhaps when you are this good looking you don't have to try too hard!

Watching proceedings

Lots of lovely butterflies on the wing and this Speckled Wood caught my eye.

Speckled Wood

In the current Coronavirus crisis some time in nature definitely helps soothe the mind.
Staying local and alone to help "FlattentheCurve"

~ Stay safe all ~

April 2020 Lockdown wildlife watching from the Garden

These are really difficult and scary times.  It does put all things in perspective and with this date with history it does definitely make you consider what is important and what is trivial.
It is a time not to travel, but stay at home.  I have mainly been working in the garden but have been lucky enough to have a regular afternoon fly by visitor.  These were birds that were incredibly rare when I was young, I seem to remember there were about twelve pairs only in mid wales according to my old Encyclopaedia of British Birds.   I can remember vividly the excitement of seeing one when driving down by Rhayader in wales.  It was a case of quick, where can I can I stop the car safely and get out.  So exciting!  They were birds of legend when I was a boy.
Now for the last week at Winchcombe in Gloucestershire I have been having these fly past every afternoon.  Whilst pulling weeds and going around with my plastic tub I have had the camera set ready.  They are still exciting!

What a wig span

This one came really close looking in the garden!

Surely a pair!

We also get a pair that I would guess are in their spring display mode!

Sometimes on the thermals there are also common buzzards.

Common Buzzard using the thermals

Its also nice to look out for smaller beautiful things.  This Brimstone butterfly caught my eye flickering around taking nectar.

Brimstone feeding up in the sunshine

Wishing everyone stays safe
A big thanks to all the Key Workers who are real heroes!
 ~ Look after your body and minds.  It's still a beautiful world! ~