Tuesday, 30 April 2019

A DAY of TWO HALVES

Hi,

Sunday at Otmoor was little on the cold side upon arrival, but that did not stop the birds from singing.

Whitethroat
All along the watchtower sorry tracks Blackcaps, Whitethroats, Sedge and Reed Warblers were singing, finding them was the problem. Singing their hearts out, but in the dense foliage they were playing difficult.
Sedge Warbler
Jenny Wren, Bob Gill


To be honest coupled with poor light the photography was made even more difficult. A Red Kite came close but against the grim sky images suffered, nothing to do with the photographer's of course!


Red Kite
Out in the fields albeit at distance the Brown Hares were chasing each other, what a superb animal the Brown Hare is ! I was also so pleased to see my old mate Loppy ear's.

Loppy ear's
Brown Hare
Still the Birds were singing Linnet, Lesser Whitethroat and a Grasshopper Warbler reeled out its song.

Linnet

After a bit of well earned scoff, we watched a female Pheasant dust bathe, I must try that sometime!

Dust bathing Pheasant
 The weather had started to warm up, as all of a sudden insect's were apparent. As we were the only car on the trip the macro's came out, but then we heard a sound we had been waiting for, the purring of a Turtle Dove. I secretly wondered how long we shall still see this lovely Dove and how have we let it get to this stage of decline ?

Turtle Dove
I say the Macro lens's came out....mine was still at home...but it didn't stop me I had to use my telephoto.

Red and Black Froghopper's were out in profusion .

Froghopper Bob Gill

Cream Spot Ladybird.  Bb Gill

Orange Tip Butterflies danced along the footpath's, Bob becoming the champion of finding their minute eggs on Mustard garlic.



As usual Otmoor had given Mark, Bob, Wendy and myself another wonderful day out.

Rhingia campestris  Hoverfly


Cheers Robin.

Sunday, 28 April 2019

Indoor Meeting 1st May

Hello

This coming Wednesday (1st May) is the next indoor meeting of the club when there will be a presentation on the Wildlife of Mallorca as provided by our club chairman Bob Gill. This Mediterranean island has been a regular venue for Bob and his family for a number of years and we all look forward to seeing and hearing about his wildlife excursions.

The meeting begins at 7.30pm at the Fishing Lodge at Pitsford Reservoir and Northants Bird Club members and non members alike are very welcome. Free parking is available close to the Fishing Lodge which is situated just off the Brixworth road outside the village of Holcot, and there is an overflow facility in a small car park next to the fishing boats.

Hot drinks and biscuits will be available during the evening, we look forward to seeing you there!

Regards

Neil McMahon



Great Reed Warbler.

Clouded Yellow butterfly.

Monday, 22 April 2019

NBC Car Trip

ole' loppy ears


Hello, the car trip this month will be on Sunday the 28th.

All being well we shall be visiting RSPB Otmoor, a great place to see all kinds of birds including
Turtle Doves, raptors and Cranes.
Brown Hares, Grass Snakes and Lizards etc etc are amongst a host of other wildlife that can be on show.

To enjoy a beautiful day out in the Oxfordshire countryside contact Bob Gill on 07938680386 for more details

Roe Deer


Cheerz Robin.

Sunday, 14 April 2019

Bittern gallery

Hello

Wendy and Robin Gossage are not long back from a break in Suffolk, and of course one of the must visit places is the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. It was here one evening that they watched a fabulous Bittern at close quarters...

Regards

Neil M





Images courtesy
of Robin Gossage.