10th - 12th May : Garden.

On the evening of the 10th a Woodcock over the garden at 9-45pm calling as it went past. 11th ; I found a couple of Hawthorn Shield Bugs on a journey of love; as the travelled a distance of about a metre in 28 minutes while joined together. A large Grass Snake slithered into the hedge. 12th 2 Grass Snakes were sheltering under a Reptile Sheet.

Hawthorn Shield Bugs copulating.

One of the garden Robins. 

This juvenile Blackbird appeared in the garden last week, still fearless at the moment, feeding within in a couple of metres.

Don.

Images Copyright : Don Stone.

9th May : Latimer 

Spent an hour this morning sat in one of my favourite spots over looking the Chess Valley at Latimer; in which time I noted the following species ; 

Swallow, House Martin, Blackcap, Blackbird, Heron, Buzzard, Kestrel, Chaffinch, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Great Tit, Cormorant, Sparrow Hawk & Red Kite.

Don.

Image Copyright : Don Stone.

 8th May : Aston Clinton Ragpits 

I have often visited these old disused chalk pits when the Orchids have been in flower in June. Today I had to visit Tring, so called in on my way back home. Some how I managed to spend over two hours at this small reserve.

It being to early for the Orchids, I was hoping to see a few Warbler species, didn't actually see any, but did hear both Chiffchaff & Blackcap singing,  along with a Song Thrush that greeted me on arrival.

Arriving at 9-15, the grass was still damp under the shade of the trees, several Roman Snails were still active, slowly sliding through the grass, with other unidentified snail species.

Anti nibble guards are in place on the Orchids.

Several Slow worms were present.

Tawny Owl, Blackbird, Robin, Coal Tit, Wren, Blue Tit were also present, along with a singing Firecrest which I was unable to locate. Brimstone & Peacock butterflies were on the wing.

All in all an enjoyable couple of hours.

Don.

Images copyright : Don Stone.

7th May : Stoke Common

With the weather warming up nicely now seemed to be a good time for Stewart & myself to go out on a reptile wander at Stoke Common. On arriving several Marsh Frogs could be heard from the rubbish filled roadside ditch, mattresses, bags & bottles, everything was in that ditch, but the Frogs were quite content croaking away as they launched themselves from the debris into the water with a bloop. 

As we made our way across the common, numerous Whitethroats sang out from the bushes possibly 8 in total.

Water water everywhere.

Marsh Frogs continued to accompany us with their singing; though we didn't see any more, this Slow worm was the only one we found.

Stewart's sharp eye's spotted this Common Lizard warming up on a log, later we had a fleeting glimpse of another as it scurred out of the bracken & across a path.

The remains of a Long-tailed Tit nest.

Don.

Images Copyright : Don Stone.

5th May

Hawridge Common 

A  2 & 1/2 hour walk on Hawridge Common mid morning, Warblers were in good voice; with 3 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff & a Garden Warbler all in song, along with 4 Goldcrest. Also worthy of note was a pair of Bullfinch in the same area as the Garden Warbler.

Don.

Images Copyright : Don Stone.

 A few recent images from the garden.

Don.

Images Copyright : Don Stone.

2nd May 2024

Great Missenden Abbey

A pair of  approachable Gadwall on the river.

Pair of Coot busy nest building.

River Misbourne flowing nicely again after all the rain throughout the Winter.

Don.

Images Copyright : Don Stone.