June 2020 Out and about on my own patch ~ So satisfying

Even though the severity of Lock-down has been lifted to some extent, I still enjoy getting out and about on my own patch.  It is so satisfying when you can put some work in to improve the environment and also see the results.  In February 2019 I planted some oak trees.  I used large 1.8m guards to protect them from the the local deer.  I have always had in mind that once one of them breaks out above the guards this would lead the way for the others and really start things happening.

February 2019

Seemed a big ask for a slow growing oak

Often as I drove past I would glance over and also comment that we need one to lead the way and this will be the start.  I know that they will never be mature trees in my life time, but having them above the guards would do me.
Well this the last week in June just sixteen months later and I got this result.  To say I was chuffed would be an under statement.

Leading the way

How can I be so excited with such a small tree stem!

Common Spotted Orchid

Grassland looking radiant

The more I look the more I enjoy the grassland and seeing all the different species that live there.  It is so much more satisfying that a monoculture of rye grass.

Meadow Browns sharing a nectar from a thistle

Local Buzzards doing well

Vixen hunting voles in the grass

I may be getting a right stay at home ~ or maybe I have found beauty in my own back yard!

June 2020 Enjoying the local farmland birds

I think that one of the ways photography has helped me enjoy nature, is to really appreciate the smaller things.  I think that without it as part of my nature hobby, it would have to have been Eagles hawks and Ospreys that would have been the things that really mattered to me.  But it has certainly made me really stop and watch.  If a Whitethroat or blackcap sits up on a bush in nice lighting I really love it, and appreciate its beauty and can be just as thrilled.

Whitethroat

I could hear this call of a Whitethroat in the bramble.  I stood and waited for it to appear and it was really exciting when it popped up with a spider in its mouth.  It stayed long enough for me to capture a few images before disappearing into a nettle bed where it must be feeding young.

Linnets seem to be calling from many of the bushes.  The male sits around and accompanies the female, while it seems she has to do all the work to feed the young brood.
They seem to always come and go together as a pair.

Beautiful male Linnet

 Much more skulking is the Blackcap.  Occasionally they sing from the tops of bushes, but often they remain hidden.  This one appeared fleetingly to cheer up my day.

Male Blackcap

I also enjoyed a pair of Goldfinches, they are beautiful birds and I seemed to enjoy these even more far out in the countryside away from the garden and feeders.

Beautiful Goldfinch

What a beauty. That was a really satisfying morning and all within my own local patch.
Just so satisfying.  I got back home and was really happy and contented to unload my card onto my laptop and go through my memories and special moments.

~  What a great morning in nature  ~