A bit Ruff

Well I don't know about you but these last three days of non-stop rain are taking it's toll. Get out the Ark, I don't think it has finished for sometime yet. Alistair Cook is boring me to sleep but give the lad full credit for a great innings.

I thought I'd begin by trying to brighten things up a bit. Thanks to PW I called in at Lane Ends, but again I'd chosen the wrong day, it was blowing a hoolie and while I hoped to photo some Small Coppers, not a thing in sight. I lie as there were, what I thought was a Kestrel and a Peregrine, scrapping by the tree line but I think were two Sparrowhawks on the eastern edge of Lane Ends, one sat on a fencepost for a few minutes before disappearing on the hoolie. Anyway, to try and brighten things up here's a photo of the 'wildflowers' which I had also called in to see.

A few days earlier over at Newton Marsh our old friend Typhoon ZJ699, the two-seater trainer was buzzing about on a brighter day. I also managed to photo a few butterflies and again in an attempt to brighten things up, here are a couple of images of the many hundreds of Gatekeepers that have suddenly appeared.

However, today – I think the image of the juvenile Swallow says it all...

Thanks to MJ I had been wondering if anything had blown in on the wind and this weather and MJ confirmed a 'different' wader on Newton Marsh some way out. I nearly did a Tony Hancock first thing ('an armfull?'... showing my age) and as there was no queue I was in and out in no time, so I popped in at Newton Marsh. Grey, miserable and nowt to be seen. I drove up the road and far too many wagons so I called back at the marsh, and there by the waters edge was a wader. I spent a few minutes with it, while it pottered about before being chased off by a Coot, then another and then a third before disappearing into the marsh. It was/is a juvenile Ruff, not only my first for Newton Marsh, a first overall. Thanks Martin.

the wildflowers at Land Ends certainly add a splash of colour – credit to the local authority for once... more please

Typhoon ZJ699... an old friend (tango charlie angels 11)

'yellow' is always cheerful

told you... cheerful

batten down the hatches Mr Christian

juvenile Ruff... note raindrops on its back

juvenile Ruff

juvenile Ruff... I think the low water has killed off a lot of the pondlife

juvenile Ruff... and the Godwits ate all the snails

Apologies for the quality of the images, on the limit for light... it was grey and 'orrible, that 'mizzle' and as I gaze out of the window it is still 'mizzle'.

Where does the time go?

A selection of images from here and hereabouts... apologies for delays in posting... where does the time go? And let's face it, weather hasn't been great for photography.

That Blackcap has thrown me, despite going through my poorly organised archives, which I have still to post, I think the same male has become a regular visitor to my garden... along with the Sparrowhawk – that I have yet to see make a kill in the last twelve months... you'd think he'd sod off somewhere else (maybe the local pigeon fanciers!).

Male Sparrowhawk

What you looking at?

I like house sparrows and think they are greatly over-looked and oh look the sun is out!

This male blackcap has started appearing regularly in the garden – nice one mate.

Best in a stew, but one of the few I have seen without that awful mix a ma toes nnit

I have 10,000 rubbish pictures of Jays....

This Rooks bills seemed a little odd... any comments appreciated (ack of 'white' and 'hairy')

Female Great Spotted Woodpecker

Female Great Spotted Woodpecker

Pied wagtails seem to be everywhere all of a sudden....

He's back!

Underneath the... cherry tree

A visit to the Ribble Ribble to spot a Kingfisher I'd been informed of proved fruitless, but as I got back in the car, this little fella (above) dropped onto my jeans! I can tell you what it is or you can guess or leave a comment (no prizes)... I liked him/her.

Some time ago, I know not when, I found a seedling in the gravel on the drive... and now it is a 20 foot cherry tree in the garden that fruited quite well last year, much appreciated by the birds. It has become a landing stage for many a visitor...

While below...

and ten days later... but is it the same bird?

another Tortoishell butterfly on lions teeth

While over at Lytham I dropped upon a small group of Turnstones  – I love these small engaging birds, there is just something about them; probably their plumage but also I think it is their behaviour, somewhat confiding nature and so easily over-looked.

No idea what is going on with this layout.... but just given up, so it will have to do as it is. 

All over in a minute

This male Sparrowhawk has been making occasional visits to the garden looking for an easy meal... times are tough and food is short. I was interested to see the particular markings on the rear of his head. Distinctive markings I must watch out for if I am ever fortunate to see him again. The whole episode was over in about a minute, possibly two... then something caught his eye and... gone in a flash as you can see.
You may recognise him as he has been used behind the heading on this blog.