May 2018 Oyster catcher noisely looking after young

A few years back these birds were rarely seen in Gloucestershire.  They are now a regular feature at Slimbridge WWT.  I think they are a great feisty bird, full of character.  They are noisy and aggressive when protecting their young.  They call to them to lead them away from any danger and immediately chase off any ariel predator.

Protective parent

Chicks doing well

This pair had two chicks they were feeding and protecting.
They are beautiful birds and full of character!

May 2018 Catching up with some farmland birds

Farmland birds are always reported as one of the most declining types of birds.  I enjoyed an early morning drive around and managed to catch up with these three species.  They were all bringing in material back to nest sites.  At least they seem to be doing ok on my local patch.

Yellowhammer

Linnet

Common Whitethroat

It was a really satisfying morning and I hope they all do well.  There is a long way to go to successfully raise their young.

May 2018 Great to see local Barn Owls doing well

Its so great that local Barn Owls seem to be doing well around my local town at Winchcombe in Gloucestershire.  There are lots of people reporting them and they all seemed really thrilled.  I think they are birds that can create an interest in nature, with their beautiful charismatic hunting flight, low over the grassland.

Hunting flight

You have just got to love them.  Its always a great experience when you are in their presence.

May 2018 Roe Deer on my local patch

I had seen Barn Owls on my local patch last night but the light was very poor.  There was a sunny hour in the forecast for this morning so I got up early to see if they were around early in the morning.  No luck with the Barn Owls but these two Roe Deer came along quietly.  Always great to see.

Roe Deer buck looking after his fur.

Roe Deer doe

These two are quite often seen together.  I had always thought that the bucks were solitary in nature.

April 2018 What beauty - Glossy Ibis at Slimbridge WWT

This really is a beautiful and exotic species and a rarity in the UK.  It was great to catch up with it at Slimbridge WWT.  Another rare thing is, seeing reports of it on and off, going to find it, and it actually being there.  Wildlife with its free and random ways rarely does this for you.  An enjoyable early morning.

Glossy Ibis

Wading

Certainly glossy

A great experience!

April 2018 An afternoon trip to Upton Warren a great nature reserve

I always enjoy a trip to Upton Warren reserve.  It is well looked after and maintained.  The bird species are amazing and often come in quite close to the hide.  I was hoping to see the Glossy Ibis that has been reported there.  On the board walk on the way to the flashes hide someone told me that it had just dropped in.  Unfortunately it stayed out of site in the reeds during my visit but there was plenty to see.

Whimbrel feeding

Oyster catcher

Avocet

Whimbrel

Little Ringed Plover preening

Getting so close to the Whimbel was a really exciting moment.

April 2018 Looking promising for Barn Owl, but must defend off Grey Squirrels and Stock Doves

I use my Trail Camera to monitor my nest boxes and check out any activity.  I am so pleased that the Barn Owls look to be taking up residence for the second year running.  The boxes were only erected three years ago.  This picture shows the great competition for these new homes with Grey Squirrels and stock Doves all looking for an opportunity.

Barn Owls, Stock Doves, Grey Squirrels 

Even though daylight the opposition need chasing off

I hate to be bias in nature, but come on the Barn Owls!