Wild Wanderings

Diary Entry

17-10-2018

Its been a while since my last Diary entry, this is because not a lot has been happening on the wildlife front recently. I think the major roadworks that are in progress about 1-mile away is taking its toll on habitats and feeding grounds particularly for the birds.

I have walked several times to the river with very little to report. The Quarry is still very low in its water level and this has affected the bird life there. Canada Geese being the most numerous now. A flock of about 50 usually rests on the green slopes of the river on my side.

Hares and foxes have been scarce too although I have seen evidence that a Fox has been visiting the paddock at night. I will but out the night video and see what it reveals.

Our neighbour has had a sad case of a Barn Owl that was in distress turning up on their garden. The Owl was obviously ill but despite appeals to the various wildlife charities and institutions no one was able to help, and the poor thing passed away a day later. A photo and details were forwarded to an expert who confirmed it had died of starvation. It was quite underweight but otherwise looked OK in plumage etc. Barn Owls stick to their range quite religiously and do not migrate in hard times of food shortage, so I think it had lost its local home and just ran out of available food. A victim of progress. So sad.

I also attribute the sighting in the paddock in the last week of a male Blackcap and two Tree Sparrows to the loss of feeding grounds for these birds.

I have planted a total of 23 trees in the paddock over the last three-years including Damson, Pear, Apple. Crab-apple and Grapevine. These are now producing good fruit crops and are particularly favoured by the Parakeets. I lift a bunch of Grapes everyday and place them on a raised platform and the Parakeets seem very grateful. We have a male and female so maybe next year some young will make an entrance. I am also hoping that the Crab-apple, Rowan and Holly will attract Fieldfare, Redwing and even Waxwings over this winter. Fingers Crossed.

I have checked the Kestrel boxes and there is still no evidence of any activity there either.

This time of year, I must change my times when I take out the camera due to the shorter days and loss of light. In the summer I can be out until 9pm or later and but now its about 4.30pm most days when the light fails. Early or mid-morning is the time now that is probably favourable. This change of time however does give you different opportunities for different shots and differing behaviours of the wildlife, so it can be a positive.

I always look forward to a change of season for photography it can be both a challenge and very rewarding.

Till tomorrow