Found whilst walking in nearby woods, by eldest son George,we brought it home to photograph and later release. A fairly common Moth around here in the summer, I've found caterpillars in the garden in Autumns past. It's hairy, beautiful and preposterous at all times. Tussock moth caterpillar hairs can leave a rash, so if you find a hairy caterpillar be careful with your hands. It's a brisk mover so photographs are quite tricky too. Wanting to escape at all times, my conscience soon said let the little critter get on its way, even though I think I had some better pics to take. At some stage I must update this post with an adult Moth; they, too, are delicate and hairy looking things.
Just a few years ago, Common Buzzards were a real rarity here in East Kent. But such is their success nationwide, they are now considered one of our commonest Birds of Prey in the UK. And so we are certainly seeing more Common Buzzards over Shadoxhurst these days. In fact, so many friends in the village reported seeing them this summer, that there is a good chance they may have secretly bred from within the parish. Could this playful adult pair be our local birds - or are they merely passing through Kent and moving on beyond? My hunch is they are our local birds.
