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Tuesday 13 October 2009

Mewing Buzzards over Shadoxhurst


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.

Autumn garden birds

Female Great Tit blending into the shadows

After a days rain last weekend, its back to lazy colourful sunny autumn days again. I like the way how the garden birds successfully camouflage into the dappled light of the autumn foliage.

House Sparrows - roosts with starlings in a large and noisy flock 2o feet from the house

Blackbirds in their dozens feed on the bumper sloe berry harvest at the back of the garden

Can't resist another Dunnock shot. Shy and drab with your eye and yet beautiful on camera.

I'd like to get a few more pics of this male Great Tit. Its thought that male Great tits aren't as 'yellow' as birds say 30 years ago: - it's all linked to diet. But this one has a bright yellow breast and stunning black outline too.

Still plenty of hornets around- again, camouflaged nicely in the golden colours of autumn Rosebay Willow herb.

Sunday 4 October 2009

Pale Tussock caterpillar



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.

Thursday 1 October 2009

Dunnock in flight

A feeble songster and a preference for the shade of the hedge, means that whilst always around, the Humble Hedge Sparrow - mostly manages to avoid attention - unless its snapped in flight!