Thank you for sharing your excursion with us. I found all the photos really lovely.
I've been hearing more Owls at night but they don't allow us to see them. I've also seen Krestels flying around. Oh and a hawk with a Grey head, white wings that have black ends. I don't know what it was but it was beautiful and was chasing pigeons while doing some amazing low flying, it flew so close to us.
Are you in the UK? I have no idea what bird of prey this would be. Yes I’ve heard several owls nearby and never seen one - glad they seem to be doing well, but I’d love a glimpse!
When you put it like that, yes. I had not realized it. But maybe we all dream of faraway birds? When I visited California and Florida I was blown away by their birds too.
Another wonderful post Gem - it's a joy to join along on these wild adventures with you ❤️ The call of the Little Grebe is so distinctive once you learn to recognise it, isn't it. I hadn't realised how many places they were present 'til I kept hearing them.
There seems to be so much more bustle in the natural world this week, helped by the fine weather, I think. I was so excited to discover a new Rookery established at The Lodge this week where we'd spotted Rooks hanging around in the winter, and to discover a perfect Long-tailed Tit nest in a patch of Bramble too 🥰 We were pleased to spot our first few Bee-flies of the year on Thursday, and another highlight was spotting a pair of stunning Siskins at The Lodge. I can't believe how beautifully bright the lovely citrus yellow plumage of the male really is ❤️
I heard the Siskins at the lodge today! I missed the rooks, but the mining bees on the steep hill path were very busy indeed. It’s such a lovely reserve on a warm day. I always think it looks a good spot for adders, but I’ve never looked into it - do you know if they have them?
It really is a beautiful landscape and habitat to explore on a warm sunny day ❤️ It does seem the perfect habitat for Adders, but I can't find any specific evidence that they're present at The Lodge. I've spotted Common Lizards basking in the sun there a few times, and I know that Grass Snakes are spotted too. Surely there's a chance Adders live out on the heath too!
No I haven’t, but someone told me a cow on the common in Biggleswade was bitten by one, and it’s not far away. I don’t actually believe it (I think the cow probably just injured itself) but seeing the heather today reminded me that I had always wondered!
Thank you for sharing your excursion with us. I found all the photos really lovely.
I've been hearing more Owls at night but they don't allow us to see them. I've also seen Krestels flying around. Oh and a hawk with a Grey head, white wings that have black ends. I don't know what it was but it was beautiful and was chasing pigeons while doing some amazing low flying, it flew so close to us.
Are you in the UK? I have no idea what bird of prey this would be. Yes I’ve heard several owls nearby and never seen one - glad they seem to be doing well, but I’d love a glimpse!
North of Mexico actually. I'm also glad that Owls doing well, hope they keep coming back.
Oh wow, I bet you get some birds that we can only dream of over here!
When you put it like that, yes. I had not realized it. But maybe we all dream of faraway birds? When I visited California and Florida I was blown away by their birds too.
A heartwarming excursion with you, Gem. Thanks!
Lovely! And I did just what you suggested (although it wasn't a public place) and I looked up the call of the Little Grebe - how adorable?
Cute but also kinda haunting on a misty morning!
Ooh yes, I can imagine that.
Another wonderful post Gem - it's a joy to join along on these wild adventures with you ❤️ The call of the Little Grebe is so distinctive once you learn to recognise it, isn't it. I hadn't realised how many places they were present 'til I kept hearing them.
There seems to be so much more bustle in the natural world this week, helped by the fine weather, I think. I was so excited to discover a new Rookery established at The Lodge this week where we'd spotted Rooks hanging around in the winter, and to discover a perfect Long-tailed Tit nest in a patch of Bramble too 🥰 We were pleased to spot our first few Bee-flies of the year on Thursday, and another highlight was spotting a pair of stunning Siskins at The Lodge. I can't believe how beautifully bright the lovely citrus yellow plumage of the male really is ❤️
I heard the Siskins at the lodge today! I missed the rooks, but the mining bees on the steep hill path were very busy indeed. It’s such a lovely reserve on a warm day. I always think it looks a good spot for adders, but I’ve never looked into it - do you know if they have them?
It really is a beautiful landscape and habitat to explore on a warm sunny day ❤️ It does seem the perfect habitat for Adders, but I can't find any specific evidence that they're present at The Lodge. I've spotted Common Lizards basking in the sun there a few times, and I know that Grass Snakes are spotted too. Surely there's a chance Adders live out on the heath too!
Have you ever seen an Adder in Bedfordshire?
No I haven’t, but someone told me a cow on the common in Biggleswade was bitten by one, and it’s not far away. I don’t actually believe it (I think the cow probably just injured itself) but seeing the heather today reminded me that I had always wondered!