Amazing Animals and Their Antics
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The Mistle Thrush can be big, bold, and sometimes aggressive and is the largest of the European thrushes. The Latin name for the Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus means devourer of mistletoe hence the name. In the UK this thrush can be a year-round resident but populations in the north and east tend to migrate south for the winter.
I was at one of my favourite nature reserves having a coffee and a slice of Victoria Sponge (again) when this robin suddenly decided to stand at the end of the table giving my cake the hard stare so I was able to get in tight and take this portrait. I know the robin was waiting for me to pass over a crumb or two but I'm ashamed to say I had every single crumb. Never make a deal with the devil when he's eating Victoria sponge !
This Greylag Goose with a slight pale washed out and white plumage shows that this goose has a touch off Schizochromism which is caused by genetic mutations and not a proper albino.
Native to the Mediterranean, due to introductions and escapes found over much of the UK and Europe. One of six species to be found in the UK with the Red and Roe deer being the only native species .
It must be so much fun trying to woo your future lady when your a male swan, much better than us fellas trying the same thing with chocolates and flowers. If there is such a thing when I'm gone I might try and come back as a one, bring it on I say !
The UK's largest land mammal and is the fourth-largest deer species behind the Moose. The male stags large antlers makes this deer an icon of the Scottish Highlands. Taking a dip here while trying to cool of in the heat of the mid day sun in summer.
A large bird of upright posture, solitary and nervous during the breeding season but will congregate in large flocks in the rest of the year and will rest in wetland areas. When adult this Juvenile will later have a darker head with a white band extending back from the red eye and a red crown. In the winter plant material is the commonest food and in the breeding season invertebrates, frogs and ground- nesting birds will also be eaten. This bird was once rare in the UK but is now being bred in captivity and being introduced back into the wild with numbers now climbing.
A stunning looking species of damselfly that can be seen on the wing from May to September along slow flowing rivers and streams in the UK but rare in northern England and absent from Scotland. The female of this species can lay about 10 eggs per minute for up to 45 minutes and will often submerge her self when laying her eggs into a wide variety of emerging and floating plants. With an adult length off 45mm the Banded and Beautiful Demoiselle are the UK's largest species of Damselflies.
One Damselfly that is said to be able to withstand mild pollution and can sometimes be found some distance away from water. Can be seen from late May to early September.
The male Common Darter is one of the most widespread of the dragonflies to be found over most lowland of Britain and Ireland and gets the name 'Darter' from the way this species will dart forward from a hovering position to catch its insect-prey. Can be seen on the wing from May to early November depending on the weather. The Latin name Odonata for the order of dragonflies is derived from the Greek "odonto" which refers to the strong teeth that can be found on the mandibles of most adults.
Seen here busy collecting nest material. The Whitethroat is one of the most widespread of the Sylvia warblers in Europe, often bold and prefers most open habitats with thickets and shrubs. Although small this warbler is strongly migratory and will over winter in tropical Africa, Arabia and Paristan.
A typical large stoutly built grey goose which can be found over much of Europe and can have a lifespan of over 20 years in the wild.
And it was going oh so well until I snapped a twig with my big clumsy foot, hence the look. The name fallow is derived from the deer's brown colour. There are six species of deer that can be found in the UK with the Red deer and Roe deer being the truly indigenous ones, the fallow deer were introduced into the UK by the Normans.
In the 1400's when the Robin was named the colour orange had not been classified and this is why we say that the Robin has a red breast and not orange. America has an eagle so it's about time the UK had the Robin as its national bird !!!!! As the first British postmen wore red coats they got the nick name 'Robin' or 'Redbreast'.
A day flying moth (diurnal) species that can be found abundant throughout Europe from the Mediterranean to the northern shores of Scandinavia. This moth has a somewhat clumsy flight and is protected by strong toxins in the body which help to avoid its predators, hence the moths warning colours. Larvae will feed on clover and Birds Foot Trefoil. Seen from June to August.
This bee is best known for the habit of cutting semi circles from leaf's with the large jaws to make sausage-shaped cells in their cavities from the leaf segments. Can be seen and found in habitats such as gardens, parks etc from May-August.
Well he managed to get himself one female even if he had to take her into the water while watching a huge male stag rutting nearby.
One of the smallest members in the crow family in Europe. Can be very approachable in towns and built up areas but are wary in the countryside. Adults have very distinctive grey eyes and a close look will reveal a purple gloss on the wings and back, not forgetting the grey cast on the underparts. The Jackdaw is known for its 'kjack' contact calls.
We stopped and stared at each other for a few minutes making eye contact. I took a couple of photos and even said thank you to him then he just carried on walking but he sure made by day. Fallow deer are very variable in colour and can also be white or brown as with this adult male seen here. The name fallow is derived from the deer's brown colour. There are six species of deer that can be found in the UK with the Red deer and Roe deer being the truly indigenous ones, the fallow deer were introduced into the UK by the Normans.
The jewels off summer. A beautiful metallic golden green beetle seen in the UK from May-September. Adults can often be seen in warm sunny weather obtaining pollen and nectar from Hog weed, Rose flowers, Bramble Gorse and Elderberries. Larvae will feed on rotten wood of old stumps. Photographed in a part of leafy suburban London, who said you can only find the most beautiful looking insects in the tropical rain forest.
The male Common Darter is one of the most widespread of the dragonflies to be found over most lowland of Britain and Ireland. Can be seen on the wing from May to early November depending on the weather. The Latin name Odonata for the order of dragonflies is derived from the Greek "odonto" which refers to the strong teeth that can be found on the mandibles of most adults.
I can easily go for a walk where I live now and can count well over 100 individual rabbits in a space of half hour. All are in good condition with no signs or scars of that dreadful myxomatosis disease. With patients you can get fairly close to them in which to take a few photos.
Another one of my dear friend, she's still in great shape and good condition with no hint of mange what so ever, always friendly and so adorable and will still sit next to me on a bench for an odd snooze that she likes to have from time to time and as far as I'm concerned one of the best friendships I've ever had with any wild animal ever.
A beautiful elegant water bird that has a very elaborate mating display where they will rise out of the water and shake their heads from side to side. The Great Crested Grebe has a distinctive noisy whinnying trill. Was once hunted for its head plume feathers which almost lead it to its extermination from the UK but the population recovered due to great conservation methods.. As well as diving to feed they will also prefer to dive to escape rather then flying away.
Such a darling pose!! What I always envisaged Squirrel Nutkin to look like!! It's a wonder I can actually press the shutter!! Too cute for words!!
Photographed at British Wildlife Centre, UK
In the 1400's when the Robin was named the colour orange had not been classified and this is why we say that the Robin has a red breast and not orange. Where as in the UK the Robin can become very tame taking food from our hands and following gardeners to get the live food that is disturbed in the Mediterranean the Robin is more likely to follow animals such as wild boar for their disturbed food and will be more shy than the ones we have over here. America has an eagle so it's about time the UK had the Robin as its national bird !
A ground nesting species of wasp that can be found widespread and common over much of Britain and Ireland. The three black facial spots helps to identify this wasp species. The central black spot is always larger then the lower two facial spots. Usually seen from mid March to mid November.
A damselfly that is associated with waterside trees where they can be often seen hanging with their wings spread wide. Females will lay their eggs into incisions in the bark of over hanging branches, which can often be willow, hence the name-Willow Emerald Damselfly. Can sometimes be known as the Western Emerald Damselfly and can often be seen on the wing from May to August usually near canals, ponds and other types of still water with over hanging trees.
This Deer seemed to be amused as I had yet again as always fell into another rabbit hole while trying to get a bit closer to get this capture. Native to the Mediterranean due to introductions and escapes found over much of the UK and Europe. One of six species to be found in the UK with the Red and Roe deer being the only native species .
A ground nesting species of wasp that can be found widespread and common over much of Britain and Ireland. The three black facial spots usually help to identify this wasp species,The central black spot is always larger then the lower two facial spots and as seen here this central spot is more defined than usual. Usually seen from mid March to mid November.
Where as the male is mainly blue and black the females tend to be black and either blue or dull green. One of the most common species of damselflies that can be found widespread around almost any waterbody in the UK from April to September. Its not uncommon to find this damselfly far away from its breeding sites in grasslands and along woodland margins. Males are known for their aggressive behaviour in which they will defend their females as they lay their eggs.
One of around 38 species of blowflies that can be found in the UK with the green bottle fly being the most stunning one out of all of them. Flies are a very important part of our ecosystem and a vital peace of the jigsaw of life. They help in the process of breaking down any animal corpses they could litter our land and in turn provide and add important nutrients to the soil which will help in the aid of plant growth as well as pollinating flowers. Without pollinators we would have eighty per sent less food on our plates.
Native to the Mediterranean, due to introductions and escapes found over much of the UK and Europe. One of six species to be found in the UK with the Red and Roe deer being the only native species .
Often associated with compact dead wood of various broad leafed trees. Adults can be found in woodlands visiting flowers from April to August.
One of six species of deer that can be found in the UK. The primary food of a red deer is grasses but will also eat a wide range of plants such as herbs, shrubs, rushes, tree shoots and willow as seen here.
After the big gale in the UK called Storm Eunice this unexpected visitor arrived the following day on one of my two local lakes I live next to in Welwyn Garden City and was a great surprize and find, It spent a few weeks hanging around with the local flocks of Canadian Geese before flying away. Generally rather shy and unapproachable. Not nearly so widespread as Canada Geese. Found in the UK from autumn and usually until the late spring.
Britian's largest dragonfly and can often be seen from late spring to late August depending on the weather with the preferred habitat being ponds, lakes and slow rivers. The female is seen here inserting her eggs into the pond weed just below the water's surface which she usually does l on her own. The larvae will hatch in about three weeks, depending on when the eggs were laid in the late summer the larvae will emerge as adults in one or two year's time.
One of the smallest members in the crow family in Europe. Can be very approachable in towns and built up areas but are wary in the countryside. A close look will reveal a purple gloss on the wings and back, not forgetting the grey cast on the underparts. The Jackdaw is known for its 'kjack' contact calls. Adults have very distinctive beautiful grey eyes, I've yet meet a lady with eyes like these lol !!!
A large aquatic frog introduced to the UK in kent in 1935 and can now be found in East Sussex and Southwest and West London. Due to the males loud croaking this species of frog is also known as the Laughing Frog.
An excellent mimic of a bumble bee that can be found widespread over much of the UK. The preferred habitat of this hoverfly is urban wasteland, hedgerows and woodland margins. Can be found from May to September and peaking in June. The female will lay her eggs in the nests of bumble bees and wasps where the larvae will feed on the debris and the occasional bee larvae.
You often hear the loud trilling or the whinnying calls before you see this Little Grebe. Will dive often to feed on the diet of small fish, molluscs and aquatic insects. The Little Grebe has also be known as the 'Dabchic'.
Also known as the Eastern Gray Squirrel, native to eastern North America where it is an essential natural forester. Less arboreal than then the Red Squirrel as the grey tends to feed extensively on the ground. Its not their fault that there over here in the UK that one lie's with the worlds most destructive and most dangerous animal on the planet called the human. This is one of the first wild mammals that children can get to see regally and so sometimes help encourage them to get into nature.
Can sometimes be known as the hedge sparrow and can easily be mistaken for a female house sparrow. Compared to the sparrow the dunnock has a thinner and a more pointy bill with the body being more sleeker. Where as sparrows tend to live in flocks the dunnock is rarely seen in pairs. Its not uncommon for a female dunnock to mate with several different males and males will sometimes share females in which to defend their territory against rivals. The term 'dunnock' derived from old English meaning 'little brown bird'. The males usually start to sing from January to around July when the breeding has finished and may sometimes sing briefly at night.
One of six species of deer that can be found in the UK. The primary food of a red deer is grasses but will also eat a wide range of plants such as herbs, shrubs, rushes, tree shoots and willow as seen here.
Seldom found far from water, usually in fields and marshes. Introduced as an ornamental bird in England and now established itself in the wild but has not spread far beyond eastern England. When paired up these geese have no problems with dealing with their neighbours even if it involves seeing of their own kind or other geese, ducks, dogs, and even me a couple of times, and boy can they kick too, ouch. (Must have been female lol !!!)
I couldn't believe my luck when this lady decided to walk up to me and a few moments later we were both sitting down on the grass together, she even had her chin resting on my thigh and let me stroke her a few times. About ten minutes later she got up and looked straight into my eyes as if to say, 'I'm off now do you want to take my portrait before I go'. This is one urban wildlife moment I wont forget in a hurry.
Can sometimes be confused with the Yellow Wagtail but the Grey Wagtails plumage on the back is grey while the Yellow Wagtail back is yellow to green. The tail flicking movements which are also sometimes called tail flashing and tail wagging are thought to help disturb and flush out their insect prey.