Gallows Bridge Farm

Visited Gallows Bridge Farm, didn't expect to see much following all the dry weather, when we arrived a volunteer work party were busy on the pools cutting back the reeds. We stayed in the parking area just scanning around : c60 Swallows, Kestrel, Buzzard, Red Kite, Raven & Sparrowhawk were all seen on the wing, with at least three Clouded Yellows flitting around the car park.

Sparrowhawk high over head

Clouded Yellow

Images : © Don Stone.

Hobby 

I watched this Hobby hawking Dragonflies over a local lake, where it seemed to be constantly mobbed by the resident Jackdaws.

A couple of Jackdaws in hot pursuit.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

Muntjac knocking back an apple

As the cattle fed on the blackberries in the hedgerow.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

Kestrel

I spent about 30 minutes tucked tight into a hedgerow watching this Kestrel hunting over an area of rough grass land.

 

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

Tufted Duck Bathing

Image : Copyright © Don Stone.

Migrant Hawker 

Image : Copyright © Don Stone.

Roosting Tawny Owls.

I found a lot of  (how shall I put it politely) "Mess" on the ground which could only mean one thing, after a lot of looking I finally saw this couple of Tawny Owls huddled together at the top of a large Hazel tree. 

Image : © Don Stone. 

Robin Bathing

This Robin in the garden was enjoying a bath after the recent welcome rainfall, following the Summer drought that we have been experencing.

Image : © Don Stone. 

Blue Tit

Blue Tits have been feeding on the plums in the garden.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

House Martins Fledge

The third brood of House Martins have fledged from under our eaves.

Images Copyright © Don Stone.

Buzzards

 

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

Roe Deer

I returned to the orchard where I saw the Munjac & Roe Deer a couple of days back as my wife had seen the Roe with a couple Fawns in tow, but only the Roe was there munching on the abundance of fallen apples.

 

Images : Copyright Don Stone.

Common Darters

We've had several Common Darters on the garden pond lately.

Male

 

Female

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

Munjac & Roe Deer

Never seen a Munjac & a Roe Deer feeding together until I chanced upon these two the other morning  contentedly feeding on fallen apples in a local orchard. 

Images : Copyright Don Stone.

Dramatic Sky

Image : Copyright Don Stone. 

Hirundines Attracting Birds of Prey

As the House Martins and Swallows are gathering in increasing numbers, it's not only me that's noticed so to have the local birds of prey, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Hobby have been trying their luck in the morning for a spot of breakfast, I've not seen them take one yet.

Sparrowhawk chasing a Swallow.

Hobby

Images : Copyright © Don Stone. 

Tree Top House Martins

Every year in August House Martins and Swallows begin gathering in increasing numbers in nearby trees, although we only have three pairs of House Martins under our eaves there's clearly birds joining them from further afield, judging by the numbers above the house every evening (anything up to fifty individuals at present).

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.