Garden Frogs.

This year the first Frog spawn appeared in the garden pond on the 27th February.

Frogs always provide great photo opportunities, whether in the water or on land.  

Been doing my bit with the local Frog Patrol.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

10th March : Blackcap.

Although Blackcaps spend the Summer in our garden, they are rarely seen during the Winter months. Today's visitor being only the 3rd here in 21 years, they've all been males including this one, but surprisingly after 90 minutes a female joined him with them both feeding on sunflower hearts throughout the day. As I type this the male is still with us, but no sign of the female.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

3rd March : Fox. 

We had a surprise visit from this Fox at breakfast time this morning as it did a quick circuit of the lawn where I scatter bird seed for the ground feeding birds.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

2nd March : Tree Creeper.

A highlight of short wander on Chipperfield Common was this Tree Creeper'

Majestic looking tree.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

28th February : Raven. 

Pleased to get close to one of the local Ravens this morning.

Arching it's wings as it emits it's "Kronking" call.

 Roe Deer browsing nearby.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

Wood Pigeon Deterrent

Every morning as soon as I scatter seed for the garden birds a mass of Wood Pigeons descend from the trees & devour the lot before the smaller birds get a look-in.

  

There's a couple of Stock Doves in the mix, I don't mind them.

I've now found an effective way of keeping the Pigeons off the seed, a super market basket that I hauled out of the hedgerow at Shabbington, cut out a bar on either side & the Robins & Dunnocks can feed in peace.

I've made a larger version for the Blackbirds.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

25th February : Siskins.

For the first time this Winter Siskins visited the garden feeder.

Dislodging a Goldfinch.

A Starling visited the feeder, moved on to check out the nest box I put up especially for Starlings.

Collared Dove visits daily.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

23rd February : Teal. 

A visit to the Wendover Canal in the rain wasn't very pleasant, but the ducks seemed to be enjoying it, as they say "good weather for ducks."

What was presumably the same pair of Shoveler from my last visit on 21st January were still there.

Mandarin Ducks were hidden away in the bushes, managed to spot 5 pairs & 2 single Drakes.

One of  two Little Egrets sat in the trees.

Nicely camouflaged with their heads down feeding were this pair of Teal, took us a while to spot the Duck as she blended in with her surroundings. 

The Drake being more 'showy'

Heron looking rather forlorn beside a nearby ditch.

Images : Copyright © Don Stone.

23rd February : Bird on a Wire.

Or in this case 193.... Linnets. Just a small fraction of a massive local Finch flock.

Image : Copyright © Don Stone.

13th February : Roe Deer.

This Roe Deer had me under surveillance from it's position on the brow of the hill.

Shame about the mass of wires in the background.

Image : Copyright © Don Stone.