Monthly Archives: May 2015

More newts fall prey to blackbird

It’s a wonder that we’ve got any newts left! I didn’t see her catch it but by the time I got my camera she’d finished despatching it. My 40 second movie has a soundtrack of me cursing as she flies … Continue reading

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Tawny Owl pellet from Wakefield Town Centre

Colin brought an owl pellet to the field meeting at Rabbit Ings which I have since dissected and examined the contents. The pellet is from a tawny owl and was found in the garden of a house near Wakefield town centre. … Continue reading

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Blackbird catching newts

On Saturday 16 May this female blackbird caught five smooth newts in our garden pond. She either waits in the centre of the pond, perching on the blanket of duckweed, or stalks along the edge. As soon as she catches … Continue reading

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May field Meeting: Rabbit Ings

Despite blustery, cold conditions more reminiscent of November than early May, we had a good walk around Rabbit Ings, Royston. This was the first visit we have made to this site as a group and, given warmer conditions, I think … Continue reading

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Orange Tips at Crigglestone

This year, the first orange tip was in the garden on 18 April. In 2014 it was 15 April, in 2010 27 April. Previously they usually appear in early May. One was in the garden again on 22 April, and … Continue reading

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Wildflowers at Bretton Country Park

The old nature reserve around the top lake at Bretton is always a beautiful place to visit at this time of year. There are swathes of bluebells and greater stitchwort interspersed with yellow archangel and red campion giving a most … Continue reading

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Peregrine harrassing starling murmuration

Francis was sent this fabulous footage of a peregrine stirring up trouble amongst the starlings at Pugneys and Cawoods earlier in the year. The murmuration is superb to say the least!

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