tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62748571512703400392024-03-14T02:23:17.043+00:00Wildlife WanderingsA diary of wildlife observations.Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-19207433431918964112018-03-25T22:35:00.000+01:002018-03-25T22:35:59.862+01:00Early spring on RSPB Ham Wall in Somerset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THE warm weather has kick started spring with amphibians, reptiles and insects appearing at last, and resident birds singing: </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRsJhagCQwk/WrgS42h7PyI/AAAAAAAAXI4/bAk7X0wFx1seMgd2EpcL9eEI5027ClmZACLcBGAs/s1600/amphibians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRsJhagCQwk/WrgS42h7PyI/AAAAAAAAXI4/bAk7X0wFx1seMgd2EpcL9eEI5027ClmZACLcBGAs/s400/amphibians.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">toads</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IvHreKeAyY/WrgS30y8xxI/AAAAAAAAXI0/Redv5wQU-qo1SVOrEZjf1KznHBWtuF0kwCLcBGAs/s1600/brimstone001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IvHreKeAyY/WrgS30y8xxI/AAAAAAAAXI0/Redv5wQU-qo1SVOrEZjf1KznHBWtuF0kwCLcBGAs/s400/brimstone001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">brimstone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkG4nfdpHUo/WrgS3aWMwYI/AAAAAAAAXIw/ej6lGlYyTPohRSzBm8KRPwILIkpwScQlACLcBGAs/s1600/comma001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1600" height="255" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkG4nfdpHUo/WrgS3aWMwYI/AAAAAAAAXIw/ej6lGlYyTPohRSzBm8KRPwILIkpwScQlACLcBGAs/s400/comma001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">comma</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6t7JLYQ6Ag/WrgS5SagInI/AAAAAAAAXI8/smBzzdC1Y64TWFlQUdpq10JuJIyq2WBzQCLcBGAs/s1600/deer001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6t7JLYQ6Ag/WrgS5SagInI/AAAAAAAAXI8/smBzzdC1Y64TWFlQUdpq10JuJIyq2WBzQCLcBGAs/s400/deer001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roe deer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNmtbfW7wBw/WrgS5TADgaI/AAAAAAAAXJA/x-zVQnkhnvwGorKJzrC0hWwzGT5GQwPBACLcBGAs/s1600/gcg001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNmtbfW7wBw/WrgS5TADgaI/AAAAAAAAXJA/x-zVQnkhnvwGorKJzrC0hWwzGT5GQwPBACLcBGAs/s400/gcg001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">great crested grebes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SQr3kQj8Sw/WrgS6FwahzI/AAAAAAAAXJE/V4kE8ynjxfcxdg3l-7u87iy_G8IBGvj6gCLcBGAs/s1600/slowworm001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SQr3kQj8Sw/WrgS6FwahzI/AAAAAAAAXJE/V4kE8ynjxfcxdg3l-7u87iy_G8IBGvj6gCLcBGAs/s400/slowworm001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">slow worm</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQI3dinP34o/WrgS6-GI5jI/AAAAAAAAXJI/8uuJd2T2JHUDDIRmdIUJlFRgPlwiaZEnwCLcBGAs/s1600/toad001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQI3dinP34o/WrgS6-GI5jI/AAAAAAAAXJI/8uuJd2T2JHUDDIRmdIUJlFRgPlwiaZEnwCLcBGAs/s400/toad001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">toad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-14856186345972710992017-12-28T23:37:00.002+00:002017-12-28T23:37:49.427+00:00Final Levels visit for 2017<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A beautiful, cold and clear day meant only one thing - a visit to he Levels was in order; nothing new to see today but the sheer number of birds and the closeness of the superstars made it a good one - egrets, marsh harriers, wintering ducks and bitterns were the highlights</span>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Otp7aWQaY0/WkV_hAptUeI/AAAAAAAAUaQ/pD33hI4xsSULbn97hqKDqdFxssByk4s_wCLcBGAs/s1600/096c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="918" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Otp7aWQaY0/WkV_hAptUeI/AAAAAAAAUaQ/pD33hI4xsSULbn97hqKDqdFxssByk4s_wCLcBGAs/s400/096c.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpEy1fCGIS0/WkV_hBDr4EI/AAAAAAAAUaU/adpRfGoW0NE461-gYzIv7Kuqf2RpfL24ACLcBGAs/s1600/105c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="277" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpEy1fCGIS0/WkV_hBDr4EI/AAAAAAAAUaU/adpRfGoW0NE461-gYzIv7Kuqf2RpfL24ACLcBGAs/s400/105c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBjgTUIXqDc/WkV_hOkKsKI/AAAAAAAAUaY/kCfaRi8PaxwKOeK3M9D7osKfMW92FF07wCLcBGAs/s1600/117c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBjgTUIXqDc/WkV_hOkKsKI/AAAAAAAAUaY/kCfaRi8PaxwKOeK3M9D7osKfMW92FF07wCLcBGAs/s400/117c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-S_f5owsnU/WkV_iIBukUI/AAAAAAAAUac/T9X_MHJrrFsMO3mZnVLATMmdHr_GECILgCLcBGAs/s1600/136c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1306" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-S_f5owsnU/WkV_iIBukUI/AAAAAAAAUac/T9X_MHJrrFsMO3mZnVLATMmdHr_GECILgCLcBGAs/s400/136c.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l477VD4ptnE/WkV_ihpiCHI/AAAAAAAAUag/Fu9XSZZfuCYXwAey9wUIppDynTSpkQ6qACLcBGAs/s1600/163c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l477VD4ptnE/WkV_ihpiCHI/AAAAAAAAUag/Fu9XSZZfuCYXwAey9wUIppDynTSpkQ6qACLcBGAs/s400/163c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qP6P5aUogPY/WkV_i76QGEI/AAAAAAAAUak/jeIK3Z5H0GEH3adXlpo6F0tJ3ypnJA31wCLcBGAs/s1600/164c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qP6P5aUogPY/WkV_i76QGEI/AAAAAAAAUak/jeIK3Z5H0GEH3adXlpo6F0tJ3ypnJA31wCLcBGAs/s400/164c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTNUmqxGgc8/WkV_jOqS2lI/AAAAAAAAUao/jTIS-6OtTb0ad_9eCLJ1CjAasgAKb37BgCLcBGAs/s1600/174c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTNUmqxGgc8/WkV_jOqS2lI/AAAAAAAAUao/jTIS-6OtTb0ad_9eCLJ1CjAasgAKb37BgCLcBGAs/s400/174c.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6hty-AJILI/WkV_j65-kyI/AAAAAAAAUas/bYBVufb9DVYqLnjdCl27PpdxKqgCczRgACLcBGAs/s1600/181c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H6hty-AJILI/WkV_j65-kyI/AAAAAAAAUas/bYBVufb9DVYqLnjdCl27PpdxKqgCczRgACLcBGAs/s400/181c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMGecMNITf4/WkV_21f2FfI/AAAAAAAAUa0/18A51REukhElumu3YctTW_BHuY3zH6cPwCLcBGAs/s1600/188b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMGecMNITf4/WkV_21f2FfI/AAAAAAAAUa0/18A51REukhElumu3YctTW_BHuY3zH6cPwCLcBGAs/s400/188b.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JL-1X_siibs/WkV_2nw95JI/AAAAAAAAUaw/DJg-KZKMLdcvWnVlNP9N1wslHlO_C_SEgCLcBGAs/s1600/192b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JL-1X_siibs/WkV_2nw95JI/AAAAAAAAUaw/DJg-KZKMLdcvWnVlNP9N1wslHlO_C_SEgCLcBGAs/s400/192b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-83791913090734608152017-11-26T10:08:00.001+00:002017-11-26T10:08:54.607+00:00Starlings<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ON a cold windy Sunday a few weeks ago I popped down to Ham Wall to view the spectacle of the starlings. The numbers are high (and will get higher) and with the sunset it was a great experience.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArVXZbipoXM/WhqSh32Ay9I/AAAAAAAATq4/GRDvtSy_QE4ZHjs67gKgM2-9NbVHCi_mQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArVXZbipoXM/WhqSh32Ay9I/AAAAAAAATq4/GRDvtSy_QE4ZHjs67gKgM2-9NbVHCi_mQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kujFSdEWpo4/WhqSgiN8H4I/AAAAAAAATq0/r3WFENB-gS0NpKX3vv7D-DxtTeiV3wsJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kujFSdEWpo4/WhqSgiN8H4I/AAAAAAAATq0/r3WFENB-gS0NpKX3vv7D-DxtTeiV3wsJwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quZeG4d58uQ/WhqSfmjTHjI/AAAAAAAATqw/7pWwFng3eNsfOMCF3ZLHE9tw63wVyW-ogCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quZeG4d58uQ/WhqSfmjTHjI/AAAAAAAATqw/7pWwFng3eNsfOMCF3ZLHE9tw63wVyW-ogCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IM9GFzHfIjQ/WhqSjuvDRtI/AAAAAAAATq8/4ySpeAMboTEWxVFFDXba4u7kD8fWBtGawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IM9GFzHfIjQ/WhqSjuvDRtI/AAAAAAAATq8/4ySpeAMboTEWxVFFDXba4u7kD8fWBtGawCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7651.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwqRLdQNm4U/WhqSlQtYfhI/AAAAAAAATrA/WsLr6kmbgUQLJXFmYPg5X8SIofREWvpcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwqRLdQNm4U/WhqSlQtYfhI/AAAAAAAATrA/WsLr6kmbgUQLJXFmYPg5X8SIofREWvpcQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7655.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-11784384886496211042017-11-26T09:59:00.002+00:002017-11-26T10:00:34.475+00:00What's that bird?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seen on King Sedge Moor, Somerset in the distance amongst plovers - is it a sandpiper (the top right bird)?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6J-HGMdDSwg/WhqQXyMFEqI/AAAAAAAATqk/5QXo2eOJYmwM8fcWVXjatwDixoAiMXWjgCLcBGAs/s1600/plovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1314" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6J-HGMdDSwg/WhqQXyMFEqI/AAAAAAAATqk/5QXo2eOJYmwM8fcWVXjatwDixoAiMXWjgCLcBGAs/s400/plovers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-29420969531528929392017-10-15T10:31:00.001+01:002017-10-15T10:31:15.416+01:00Beardie heaven<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">OUR plan for the day was to start by hunting out the bearded tits (reedlings) and then go from there. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We were excited to hear four fly high overhead as soon as we stepped onto the Somerset reserve, but they were going the other way and we were informed by a helpful couple of birders that they <i>had</i> just been showing for an hour and were very close up...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So with our expectations dashed, we were surprised and delighted to see a number of individuals still pecking up the shells on the boardwalk, as hoped, and eventually we saw three pairs altogether.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over the day we found beardies at three totally separate and distinct locations on our travels around Westhay SWT and Wall Hall RSPB reserves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had to get down very low to capture these beauties as I wanted, but it was worth it.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FodJ2EM-c5c/WeMp950QIcI/AAAAAAAATEY/RAW7YO4vsTsJaNfBtAs9rIE8mYtGrV_vACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7255b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FodJ2EM-c5c/WeMp950QIcI/AAAAAAAATEY/RAW7YO4vsTsJaNfBtAs9rIE8mYtGrV_vACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7255b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxt2emgf_0o/WeMp-iY_O2I/AAAAAAAATEc/COBN57jYLkIuDZqejOCeN2N7PwSimY8dgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7248b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxt2emgf_0o/WeMp-iY_O2I/AAAAAAAATEc/COBN57jYLkIuDZqejOCeN2N7PwSimY8dgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7248b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3g82bTrN7A/WeMp-yFXWdI/AAAAAAAATEg/n3Fo04p7als6MrXa1q8M5nWkBqA7r_lDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7250b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t3g82bTrN7A/WeMp-yFXWdI/AAAAAAAATEg/n3Fo04p7als6MrXa1q8M5nWkBqA7r_lDwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7250b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJobt-0aEd0/WeMp_TRYUUI/AAAAAAAATEk/7n-cqSCM7iQIVmvIXKWvnehx6TCZWCmgACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7257b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KJobt-0aEd0/WeMp_TRYUUI/AAAAAAAATEk/7n-cqSCM7iQIVmvIXKWvnehx6TCZWCmgACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7257b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMI-dQeNJNA/WeMp_wn6oTI/AAAAAAAATEo/9SG0s8OrCS0mRE17bUNeB8wm8Amy8fgFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7258b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMI-dQeNJNA/WeMp_wn6oTI/AAAAAAAATEo/9SG0s8OrCS0mRE17bUNeB8wm8Amy8fgFgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7258b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qv5cb1_LbGA/WeMqARiGZMI/AAAAAAAATEs/R704RI0GJe4zo7OYX4aHhHPBMx68-xkvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7263b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qv5cb1_LbGA/WeMqARiGZMI/AAAAAAAATEs/R704RI0GJe4zo7OYX4aHhHPBMx68-xkvwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7263b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIXKxECmvvI/WeMqBZZyP4I/AAAAAAAATE0/nqBMJmiZMXUfLh_NS-u_VCLO81Vmr_FJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7274b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIXKxECmvvI/WeMqBZZyP4I/AAAAAAAATE0/nqBMJmiZMXUfLh_NS-u_VCLO81Vmr_FJACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7274b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other sightings were as expected: the back end of a bittern, marsh harriers, GW egrets, lapwings and ducks - no glossy ibis this time.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vsg-K8j-9E/WeMqBXX8cGI/AAAAAAAATEw/z0v0kPXqVmIXv742JVCuiqIGvK3xQlF1gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7299b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1600" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vsg-K8j-9E/WeMqBXX8cGI/AAAAAAAATEw/z0v0kPXqVmIXv742JVCuiqIGvK3xQlF1gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7299b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Distant marsh harriers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-43898179567681796012017-09-23T18:45:00.001+01:002017-09-23T18:52:31.857+01:00Yorkshire Dales NP<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WE had a late summer\early autumn visit to the Yorkshire Dales and stayed in the excellent Queens Arms in Littondale. The weather was dramatic and made for amazing views.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0CDe3oNT2-0/WcaeUypx36I/AAAAAAAARQ4/E-9lkdcq5vEldp2e7k2fLaSCA_VeLMuvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6884b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0CDe3oNT2-0/WcaeUypx36I/AAAAAAAARQ4/E-9lkdcq5vEldp2e7k2fLaSCA_VeLMuvwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6884b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pggNVltgTe0/WcafJ8hgaLI/AAAAAAAARRM/oqJ-Wi15IxE3RiqKx40LysTDVoCBVIV3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pggNVltgTe0/WcafJ8hgaLI/AAAAAAAARRM/oqJ-Wi15IxE3RiqKx40LysTDVoCBVIV3wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6808.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLEQLSfe3PM/WcaegEDgsnI/AAAAAAAARRA/TFdb5l3AVOoLNqeL4eq-y31YkxvZSVypACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6870b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLEQLSfe3PM/WcaegEDgsnI/AAAAAAAARRA/TFdb5l3AVOoLNqeL4eq-y31YkxvZSVypACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6870b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2DfAoh3F6Y/Wcaep5ld8vI/AAAAAAAARRE/1A-30s41D_oWAiHEUGruMV5WQfZU4jELwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6868b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2DfAoh3F6Y/Wcaep5ld8vI/AAAAAAAARRE/1A-30s41D_oWAiHEUGruMV5WQfZU4jELwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6868b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00U8yRy4xQw/WcaezgueZwI/AAAAAAAARRI/RJos2puo6qMHANxIpcV4gFFMyvrcy-psgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6880b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00U8yRy4xQw/WcaezgueZwI/AAAAAAAARRI/RJos2puo6qMHANxIpcV4gFFMyvrcy-psgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6880b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04p56ftI4m0/Wcaci1yXwSI/AAAAAAAARQE/7y3DMnbTaicD2c34cw41ZlH3TfMTZda-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6921b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04p56ftI4m0/Wcaci1yXwSI/AAAAAAAARQE/7y3DMnbTaicD2c34cw41ZlH3TfMTZda-gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6921b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4TB3ICZeKg/WcaclhctDgI/AAAAAAAARQQ/d6zBKw4c6IsH0e4msg0sAILvPFwVkZzYgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6974b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4TB3ICZeKg/WcaclhctDgI/AAAAAAAARQQ/d6zBKw4c6IsH0e4msg0sAILvPFwVkZzYgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6974b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mfHYZzfVGs8/WcaciNu9noI/AAAAAAAARP8/cHq0pXq2ytg9U1b_R2NLWM78i_JSVpxnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6912b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mfHYZzfVGs8/WcaciNu9noI/AAAAAAAARP8/cHq0pXq2ytg9U1b_R2NLWM78i_JSVpxnACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6912b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AsY6iCZm7Y/WcacPgY3O-I/AAAAAAAARPo/5EvjOF6ADNg7O81cNLw-4spBtQabgRYmACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6907b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AsY6iCZm7Y/WcacPgY3O-I/AAAAAAAARPo/5EvjOF6ADNg7O81cNLw-4spBtQabgRYmACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6907b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-n0QTAW-og/WcacPN6YUnI/AAAAAAAARPg/ZtkrGesIzU84zqDwOym41vasG_FsyruDQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6912b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-n0QTAW-og/WcacPN6YUnI/AAAAAAAARPg/ZtkrGesIzU84zqDwOym41vasG_FsyruDQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6912b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jGfClnHJfc/WcacPS7u-JI/AAAAAAAARPk/QZZsuNGfQ8ANRDix3DVeeuZMrQvy6xo3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6921b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jGfClnHJfc/WcacPS7u-JI/AAAAAAAARPk/QZZsuNGfQ8ANRDix3DVeeuZMrQvy6xo3QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6921b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwlN-z3HMFY/WcacRBG5wMI/AAAAAAAARPs/QF_pP99sYNgiI5nRjosIBnp56hFnZ0RrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6932b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwlN-z3HMFY/WcacRBG5wMI/AAAAAAAARPs/QF_pP99sYNgiI5nRjosIBnp56hFnZ0RrwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6932b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmeIENHY-zs/WcaciokBTjI/AAAAAAAARQA/aJElHg0V8FgFaMgbZzVtmjQV3TIW1s97gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6907b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmeIENHY-zs/WcaciokBTjI/AAAAAAAARQA/aJElHg0V8FgFaMgbZzVtmjQV3TIW1s97gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6907b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raPr93XjHfI/WcacUnHbLTI/AAAAAAAARP4/cdMercVKE9UHu6VPsNwaUDmuShbTCBWdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6837a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raPr93XjHfI/WcacUnHbLTI/AAAAAAAARP4/cdMercVKE9UHu6VPsNwaUDmuShbTCBWdQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6837a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eydOsLx58y4/WcacSQqXTWI/AAAAAAAARP0/p5pl_u1BH_w1x5Fvyud6fgawRgqoCRpkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6974b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eydOsLx58y4/WcacSQqXTWI/AAAAAAAARP0/p5pl_u1BH_w1x5Fvyud6fgawRgqoCRpkQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6974b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEmpGCf0E68/WcacRwhQFmI/AAAAAAAARPw/1Q4LJynq23QRh4QO_jLc_SRyUZDPSkZ2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6936b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEmpGCf0E68/WcacRwhQFmI/AAAAAAAARPw/1Q4LJynq23QRh4QO_jLc_SRyUZDPSkZ2ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6936b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH-KlTrA0bU/WcadEHqbpkI/AAAAAAAARQU/f1omuVeGUQ0Ruh6y_9YhQDxsi5eNPaCjwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yH-KlTrA0bU/WcadEHqbpkI/AAAAAAAARQU/f1omuVeGUQ0Ruh6y_9YhQDxsi5eNPaCjwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SkJcuZ4ceo/Wcadd27nCyI/AAAAAAAARQo/1fGtWyB9h-YzAnm3E_VNXBnPc--zCFjnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SkJcuZ4ceo/Wcadd27nCyI/AAAAAAAARQo/1fGtWyB9h-YzAnm3E_VNXBnPc--zCFjnACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDct_xnMg5U/WcadcQUqdiI/AAAAAAAARQg/GCUTdgOt-h04DiWyeDCx-SYFhLJLrcFCwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDct_xnMg5U/WcadcQUqdiI/AAAAAAAARQg/GCUTdgOt-h04DiWyeDCx-SYFhLJLrcFCwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6824.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-76339284745327473702017-06-24T10:35:00.001+01:002017-06-24T10:35:59.625+01:00Swiss Alps - fantastically flowery<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">OUR Summer holiday this year was a week or so in the Swiss alps to walk and see the wonderful alpine meadows and WOW we were not disappointed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUhMih4hH6I/WU4x33B18cI/AAAAAAAAMBE/jcsFasSG0mQPmSsN9X-Z2JIFJbuceJxywCLcBGAs/s1600/002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1181" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUhMih4hH6I/WU4x33B18cI/AAAAAAAAMBE/jcsFasSG0mQPmSsN9X-Z2JIFJbuceJxywCLcBGAs/s400/002.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf3k0H83Dwk/WU4eJvoAG8I/AAAAAAAAL_U/snwszFtNlr8EU4D-fMMfcWcby7jWB68RwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf3k0H83Dwk/WU4eJvoAG8I/AAAAAAAAL_U/snwszFtNlr8EU4D-fMMfcWcby7jWB68RwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6435.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIHJVT1AXy4/WU4vRcCyE6I/AAAAAAAAMA4/k7qC65_IFHMidF38r23r8sM7OTXH2tNuwCLcBGAs/s1600/pano1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UIHJVT1AXy4/WU4vRcCyE6I/AAAAAAAAMA4/k7qC65_IFHMidF38r23r8sM7OTXH2tNuwCLcBGAs/s400/pano1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YR8G7ZaSZ4/WU4x7ESczwI/AAAAAAAAMBM/XRq7Ltc9yhYC4Sv3JtAtoLNqHyoCpmulgCLcBGAs/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1183" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YR8G7ZaSZ4/WU4x7ESczwI/AAAAAAAAMBM/XRq7Ltc9yhYC4Sv3JtAtoLNqHyoCpmulgCLcBGAs/s400/001.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psAvY70hs-I/WU4x6yvQJOI/AAAAAAAAMBI/s-4FbqFJro837a_36u6fut81fAiOJae2QCLcBGAs/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="1600" height="92" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psAvY70hs-I/WU4x6yvQJOI/AAAAAAAAMBI/s-4FbqFJro837a_36u6fut81fAiOJae2QCLcBGAs/s400/003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smg8vIqjpyU/WU4x7T52ZDI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/qXxRp0pv8M000wUvs79JxWk5VgniquORACLcBGAs/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smg8vIqjpyU/WU4x7T52ZDI/AAAAAAAAMBQ/qXxRp0pv8M000wUvs79JxWk5VgniquORACLcBGAs/s640/004.jpg" width="268" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FIZdgYVQ0M/WU4x9ZEp7tI/AAAAAAAAMBU/ZrwTa1SE8kI43aAS5Yk92UTq6uNwJogrgCLcBGAs/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FIZdgYVQ0M/WU4x9ZEp7tI/AAAAAAAAMBU/ZrwTa1SE8kI43aAS5Yk92UTq6uNwJogrgCLcBGAs/s400/006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had mixed weather at the start, but the richness of the flora and the amazing views of the Jungfrau, Monch and the Eiger when the cloud lifted were spectacular. One particularly special area was the Schynigge Platte which we visited twice, reaching it on a little alpine train. We stayed in Interlaken and Murren enjoying the rich Swiss cuisine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oI73wcaxB4E/WU4cU6g8CmI/AAAAAAAAL3E/rs1VrlStaic9O_Yj3PBJoUQn22sjOzo9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oI73wcaxB4E/WU4cU6g8CmI/AAAAAAAAL3E/rs1VrlStaic9O_Yj3PBJoUQn22sjOzo9ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5551.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gazktvHbiu0/WU4cUE4T2HI/AAAAAAAAL3A/66NploRuAyUb3cQ4X7wnpuaB39tp_ekMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gazktvHbiu0/WU4cUE4T2HI/AAAAAAAAL3A/66NploRuAyUb3cQ4X7wnpuaB39tp_ekMwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5563.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UuY0AUjv9A/WU4cUJzroWI/AAAAAAAAL28/VNyuBcWIlL0YTX5O0g-IazHfsY8OuV_vgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UuY0AUjv9A/WU4cUJzroWI/AAAAAAAAL28/VNyuBcWIlL0YTX5O0g-IazHfsY8OuV_vgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5570.JPG" width="291" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4GZmibjYs4/WU4cWgamhFI/AAAAAAAAL3M/tLINOc6Kb9kmt86vN2UeRLcWww4x6Q2twCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p4GZmibjYs4/WU4cWgamhFI/AAAAAAAAL3M/tLINOc6Kb9kmt86vN2UeRLcWww4x6Q2twCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5641.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbbiLBZk05w/WU4cWDFSmMI/AAAAAAAAL3I/JEuVDnHuNegIBfq-Y6CLJszt6UCB0pSvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zbbiLBZk05w/WU4cWDFSmMI/AAAAAAAAL3I/JEuVDnHuNegIBfq-Y6CLJszt6UCB0pSvACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5643.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-demZMUjHWiU/WU4cW1URDMI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/GEtaBELJL0QEujFR7ukWWF0cNI408wj6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-demZMUjHWiU/WU4cW1URDMI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/GEtaBELJL0QEujFR7ukWWF0cNI408wj6wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5645.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsGnuyXzpiY/WU4cXRPUDEI/AAAAAAAAL3U/dOC9PWkFHGcLjRR8Ad-34YaElBTj-3_lgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsGnuyXzpiY/WU4cXRPUDEI/AAAAAAAAL3U/dOC9PWkFHGcLjRR8Ad-34YaElBTj-3_lgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5646.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had timed our visit carefully - almost all of the snows had gone and where the slopes faced north the early flowers were still out, such as the masses of crocuses and the alpine snowbell. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNA0J3ab54Q/WU4cXxhP0HI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/ynthVkO8XVMsd_FzE_VqTj39Zu7NR1jNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNA0J3ab54Q/WU4cXxhP0HI/AAAAAAAAL3Y/ynthVkO8XVMsd_FzE_VqTj39Zu7NR1jNwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5655.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6e6I8xo9Yc/WU4cZHQ4x3I/AAAAAAAAL3g/2ErQIf_TTD4L5VDU36QHdCBuWNq2yUoZwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6e6I8xo9Yc/WU4cZHQ4x3I/AAAAAAAAL3g/2ErQIf_TTD4L5VDU36QHdCBuWNq2yUoZwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5661.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIQGXMf73SA/WU4cZiR2OdI/AAAAAAAAL3k/-GiROlD4EuEm5wAdGCoI5YSYI7WQkB8vwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1144" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIQGXMf73SA/WU4cZiR2OdI/AAAAAAAAL3k/-GiROlD4EuEm5wAdGCoI5YSYI7WQkB8vwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5663.JPG" width="285" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other places the niches were characterised by damp, gently sloping ground, dry rocky screes and everything in between, and the dominant flowers reflected the conditions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Animals were few but marmots, ring ouzels and black redstarts were occasionally seen.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VkjFLZUL8Y/WU4caEnrroI/AAAAAAAAL3o/3QU4fkZpeR0wQtPLQgDNjjn8Jgae9sVFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VkjFLZUL8Y/WU4caEnrroI/AAAAAAAAL3o/3QU4fkZpeR0wQtPLQgDNjjn8Jgae9sVFQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5665.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xKc0JYABZY/WU4caqMlRPI/AAAAAAAAL3s/ySjzcpq0-z03e7SdW0cdwbH2TCFcmTihgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xKc0JYABZY/WU4caqMlRPI/AAAAAAAAL3s/ySjzcpq0-z03e7SdW0cdwbH2TCFcmTihgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5673.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">moonwort fern</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A13QgbFwa6E/WU4cbCZebMI/AAAAAAAAL3w/8W_xfMdca9IN7yeCs30LZhER_yLFIh1BACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A13QgbFwa6E/WU4cbCZebMI/AAAAAAAAL3w/8W_xfMdca9IN7yeCs30LZhER_yLFIh1BACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5692.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNynQboUIpg/WU4ccE00wtI/AAAAAAAAL30/GdJ0PM0qgDkmYBC5I3Pw9mT9BB5aGBoIACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNynQboUIpg/WU4ccE00wtI/AAAAAAAAL30/GdJ0PM0qgDkmYBC5I3Pw9mT9BB5aGBoIACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5693.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTZMEYjl3QI/WU4ccliUpcI/AAAAAAAAL34/wrERPZ9_CWEyfY8pjyA9WJOdKuFvJvQtACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTZMEYjl3QI/WU4ccliUpcI/AAAAAAAAL34/wrERPZ9_CWEyfY8pjyA9WJOdKuFvJvQtACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5694.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmYrq8o7QgM/WU4cdGtK_hI/AAAAAAAAL38/-2y7djU-USQuvif4JvIdJrnyK0X-2im0QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PmYrq8o7QgM/WU4cdGtK_hI/AAAAAAAAL38/-2y7djU-USQuvif4JvIdJrnyK0X-2im0QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5697.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QR4-GLYHTo/WU4cdS-79KI/AAAAAAAAL4A/wbJreuzsfG80yFucgNTeYchUvCEkrw2YQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0QR4-GLYHTo/WU4cdS-79KI/AAAAAAAAL4A/wbJreuzsfG80yFucgNTeYchUvCEkrw2YQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5699.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">prolific globe flower - found spread over huge ares where the ground was a bit damper</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCqR0n2LqVo/WU4cexfD02I/AAAAAAAAL4I/9gMl_oyhitQBoOrw5_XoYFFXZkMWzgZtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCqR0n2LqVo/WU4cexfD02I/AAAAAAAAL4I/9gMl_oyhitQBoOrw5_XoYFFXZkMWzgZtQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5704.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">bilberry and juniper where grazing was less intense</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JRfk6qaFDc/WU4cfec_DOI/AAAAAAAAL4M/zpr_iAa4ArY-efcN4OHV5d76wKU83LFiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JRfk6qaFDc/WU4cfec_DOI/AAAAAAAAL4M/zpr_iAa4ArY-efcN4OHV5d76wKU83LFiACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5705.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TcnnRV1WoM/WU4cfi3zPyI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/NsZsVHmzJmw3I9veL85UlbFdktwca7XiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0TcnnRV1WoM/WU4cfi3zPyI/AAAAAAAAL4Q/NsZsVHmzJmw3I9veL85UlbFdktwca7XiACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5707.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjoTpgmsNUo/WU4cglUfI2I/AAAAAAAAL4U/W6xfgVV0drg-1VAV__WsVUqwNog2fAE8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zjoTpgmsNUo/WU4cglUfI2I/AAAAAAAAL4U/W6xfgVV0drg-1VAV__WsVUqwNog2fAE8QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5712.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06iit1wn480/WU4chHCXCaI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/QZF7-XojGcA1QGpJ5CNGeMmMfoC7VVRcgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06iit1wn480/WU4chHCXCaI/AAAAAAAAL4Y/QZF7-XojGcA1QGpJ5CNGeMmMfoC7VVRcgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5714.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAVg4Er8jKc/WU4chlhw8iI/AAAAAAAAL4c/c_k95ZFUZi4IWf8Ydcz0NsPhxLDtwO9iACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VAVg4Er8jKc/WU4chlhw8iI/AAAAAAAAL4c/c_k95ZFUZi4IWf8Ydcz0NsPhxLDtwO9iACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5717.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njPKjQV3uSY/WU4ch6RZAOI/AAAAAAAAL4g/jzyQH3DZltciISQMPBHL-UZaxbdO6TQrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njPKjQV3uSY/WU4ch6RZAOI/AAAAAAAAL4g/jzyQH3DZltciISQMPBHL-UZaxbdO6TQrwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5720.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">pasque flowers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmm8mp5xt8c/WU4ciHl9ElI/AAAAAAAAL4k/pmn8ycyX3cgDNC2OhqvEG5d7Sd6SPgKPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmm8mp5xt8c/WU4ciHl9ElI/AAAAAAAAL4k/pmn8ycyX3cgDNC2OhqvEG5d7Sd6SPgKPQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5724.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOMJPfZSFmQ/WU4cjIRgUYI/AAAAAAAAL4o/mvotAj0BrnwHKG9IoOuLB7WZ4QiK3XBGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xOMJPfZSFmQ/WU4cjIRgUYI/AAAAAAAAL4o/mvotAj0BrnwHKG9IoOuLB7WZ4QiK3XBGQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5725.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjcQ4pa8TKQ/WU4cjxI6IgI/AAAAAAAAL4s/ENJXmdXrb4IsHSI9OERBtZe4LEZtQNPfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjcQ4pa8TKQ/WU4cjxI6IgI/AAAAAAAAL4s/ENJXmdXrb4IsHSI9OERBtZe4LEZtQNPfgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5727.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cr-hK3h4oko/WU4ckAQy4WI/AAAAAAAAL4w/t6CZoNWZnk4p9jWpw8Cy1dQUxR0Pg_FTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cr-hK3h4oko/WU4ckAQy4WI/AAAAAAAAL4w/t6CZoNWZnk4p9jWpw8Cy1dQUxR0Pg_FTQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5728.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXQ_bawtgrU/WU4clKgfjXI/AAAAAAAAL40/Y5P28O1xhXomBDSx5h9Jk9wplonZBQRFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lXQ_bawtgrU/WU4clKgfjXI/AAAAAAAAL40/Y5P28O1xhXomBDSx5h9Jk9wplonZBQRFACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5731.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh_orzVNLyE/WU4clo2LdCI/AAAAAAAAL44/7dlulGrrXN0Jc7iKlWs_Ok2gJLSH5m5cACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh_orzVNLyE/WU4clo2LdCI/AAAAAAAAL44/7dlulGrrXN0Jc7iKlWs_Ok2gJLSH5m5cACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5735.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEtHNSlH0U4/WU4cmdZK4KI/AAAAAAAAL48/ZYJwhnZs7OU_jRNucxG9R9oOxnHVLUfwwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WEtHNSlH0U4/WU4cmdZK4KI/AAAAAAAAL48/ZYJwhnZs7OU_jRNucxG9R9oOxnHVLUfwwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5739.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ0ELzXTgc0/WU4cm_4MN0I/AAAAAAAAL5A/BiAxzLQR5PY_nfShtimr_kooUcgSZ95UwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ0ELzXTgc0/WU4cm_4MN0I/AAAAAAAAL5A/BiAxzLQR5PY_nfShtimr_kooUcgSZ95UwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5740.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFmJlJ5YiW8/WU4cnFfpc6I/AAAAAAAAL5E/QoW3rz3WLT4hu4Zqc_HP8rxwlUljLw4rACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JFmJlJ5YiW8/WU4cnFfpc6I/AAAAAAAAL5E/QoW3rz3WLT4hu4Zqc_HP8rxwlUljLw4rACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5744.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pEtt2DNcoM/WU4cnkgVxYI/AAAAAAAAL5I/8K6kJ-gPVcIndR3ag3DHPd6FYiS17bFQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pEtt2DNcoM/WU4cnkgVxYI/AAAAAAAAL5I/8K6kJ-gPVcIndR3ag3DHPd6FYiS17bFQQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5746.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">alpine gentian</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QygUULHtOt8/WU4coOimSoI/AAAAAAAAL5M/8G_HQdQY-AgUu6WIeV5c1BcGJ-Qji-6lgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QygUULHtOt8/WU4coOimSoI/AAAAAAAAL5M/8G_HQdQY-AgUu6WIeV5c1BcGJ-Qji-6lgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5748.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Os2tproSLic/WU4cogFT2dI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/MA8cCBiIYMIhBi3M9l6HEeQFBuDDNQmKQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Os2tproSLic/WU4cogFT2dI/AAAAAAAAL5Q/MA8cCBiIYMIhBi3M9l6HEeQFBuDDNQmKQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5750.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kjXEt7WWw/WU4cpExQaRI/AAAAAAAAL5U/P8JDPtWXXuIBD7GrFK_bOA_UpEFyMkeQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kjXEt7WWw/WU4cpExQaRI/AAAAAAAAL5U/P8JDPtWXXuIBD7GrFK_bOA_UpEFyMkeQgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5752.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_xztljFNTg/WU4cpYSg1dI/AAAAAAAAL5Y/o3NwbNjk66AXnfvI1uB9nva5MVwZ3qiCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_xztljFNTg/WU4cpYSg1dI/AAAAAAAAL5Y/o3NwbNjk66AXnfvI1uB9nva5MVwZ3qiCQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5758.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upFV95cL3T8/WU4cplUpcTI/AAAAAAAAL5c/IJH7l1yKr80kejt2gukO3zLZ1YnqF3uywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upFV95cL3T8/WU4cplUpcTI/AAAAAAAAL5c/IJH7l1yKr80kejt2gukO3zLZ1YnqF3uywCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5770.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKa2tnp4lBk/WU4cqbTAUVI/AAAAAAAAL5g/QjMD9NMP2q40oI9nzMNm5PE8yZMGOfBzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKa2tnp4lBk/WU4cqbTAUVI/AAAAAAAAL5g/QjMD9NMP2q40oI9nzMNm5PE8yZMGOfBzgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5771.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BA8VmepXExI/WU4cq_OJmfI/AAAAAAAAL5k/RAveeV0rmMoQjq2kOFMNls077342xASnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BA8VmepXExI/WU4cq_OJmfI/AAAAAAAAL5k/RAveeV0rmMoQjq2kOFMNls077342xASnACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5773.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LjA4IULU-c/WU4cr2sV59I/AAAAAAAAL5o/wGgVko5Sw8wTqcWT37_cy05dIS7z-4N-gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4LjA4IULU-c/WU4cr2sV59I/AAAAAAAAL5o/wGgVko5Sw8wTqcWT37_cy05dIS7z-4N-gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5778.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scSgjW0wqho/WU4cs8I04UI/AAAAAAAAL5s/wIv1u8zWEiYBTIlO85irvwmkppdqg88JACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scSgjW0wqho/WU4cs8I04UI/AAAAAAAAL5s/wIv1u8zWEiYBTIlO85irvwmkppdqg88JACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5787.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzSxKL544n8/WU4ctUroEJI/AAAAAAAAL5w/jKJ3ky-84qgG7FJZlm_xHnDcot-hhJpkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UzSxKL544n8/WU4ctUroEJI/AAAAAAAAL5w/jKJ3ky-84qgG7FJZlm_xHnDcot-hhJpkgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5790.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Usb9aVtg8iw/WU4ct4bboTI/AAAAAAAAL50/Va6zRFxkeTclBDVSGe-QxmM4HqK_IUsrgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Usb9aVtg8iw/WU4ct4bboTI/AAAAAAAAL50/Va6zRFxkeTclBDVSGe-QxmM4HqK_IUsrgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5792.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jj8YkgniC6A/WU4cuvs4w1I/AAAAAAAAL54/6GH1c-Zvh-MUlFCHWfvLO1POyn9nxOmfgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jj8YkgniC6A/WU4cuvs4w1I/AAAAAAAAL54/6GH1c-Zvh-MUlFCHWfvLO1POyn9nxOmfgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5793.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PntQfOzsHy0/WU4cvESaOCI/AAAAAAAAL58/uzRuUuFkGeIf7CQFEcY8T_xBT-gcA9p3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PntQfOzsHy0/WU4cvESaOCI/AAAAAAAAL58/uzRuUuFkGeIf7CQFEcY8T_xBT-gcA9p3wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5800.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBjwtdB11B0/WU4cvnDJAMI/AAAAAAAAL6A/pxl5gfUGXMkU0uYMnSP-zmLKyqHbR4QfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBjwtdB11B0/WU4cvnDJAMI/AAAAAAAAL6A/pxl5gfUGXMkU0uYMnSP-zmLKyqHbR4QfACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5807.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WLbhFsB9E8/WU4cwIhvKII/AAAAAAAAL6E/qmut54c24lIkmzfiavBaiQPdqsUqu6oTwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WLbhFsB9E8/WU4cwIhvKII/AAAAAAAAL6E/qmut54c24lIkmzfiavBaiQPdqsUqu6oTwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5809.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxq7k6k6eOk/WU4cwu0UcGI/AAAAAAAAL6I/vzXxeu6RLfUytbzK4Yek2c4cCiJTtu1KwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxq7k6k6eOk/WU4cwu0UcGI/AAAAAAAAL6I/vzXxeu6RLfUytbzK4Yek2c4cCiJTtu1KwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5814.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAVsGn6Ot6o/WU4cxM-07jI/AAAAAAAAL6M/8_9YXDGU4wMXVUeAskRaeZL1TeP1hF4dwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAVsGn6Ot6o/WU4cxM-07jI/AAAAAAAAL6M/8_9YXDGU4wMXVUeAskRaeZL1TeP1hF4dwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5817.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heun5SikUzI/WU4cxxyi56I/AAAAAAAAL6Q/X5-f-0kpsuocMPTQEAamT0J-krX07S5-ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heun5SikUzI/WU4cxxyi56I/AAAAAAAAL6Q/X5-f-0kpsuocMPTQEAamT0J-krX07S5-ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5819.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHCFJ0qCiSY/WU4cyaSrYSI/AAAAAAAAL6U/woS8WhyyURIxu8ouW_IqM2SGg7OnztXiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHCFJ0qCiSY/WU4cyaSrYSI/AAAAAAAAL6U/woS8WhyyURIxu8ouW_IqM2SGg7OnztXiACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5821.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL7Z8rS1mt0/WU4cyjtI3dI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/D0bEl-qma-ssP1-vdmXZdhhMiJ3WTZFCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL7Z8rS1mt0/WU4cyjtI3dI/AAAAAAAAL6Y/D0bEl-qma-ssP1-vdmXZdhhMiJ3WTZFCACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5822.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIX-1ZRjW6U/WU4czVlzrqI/AAAAAAAAL6c/gFu3aNwveYI9-DPfQCFDZ_SraZutboVMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIX-1ZRjW6U/WU4czVlzrqI/AAAAAAAAL6c/gFu3aNwveYI9-DPfQCFDZ_SraZutboVMwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5823.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90ozvO9Ov7U/WU4cz-iFTHI/AAAAAAAAL6g/5FROFOoDVeUK1fseTCuqWphBeyiR5CMLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-90ozvO9Ov7U/WU4cz-iFTHI/AAAAAAAAL6g/5FROFOoDVeUK1fseTCuqWphBeyiR5CMLACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5824.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ2aWBILsMw/WU4c1HcGL3I/AAAAAAAAL6o/EQuwu6Lfl8ETrUXux_AEGwb9c-LRcmhsgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ2aWBILsMw/WU4c1HcGL3I/AAAAAAAAL6o/EQuwu6Lfl8ETrUXux_AEGwb9c-LRcmhsgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5826.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8v_FA0w71pk/WU4c1W85H3I/AAAAAAAAL6s/7UkFBmkcbB0AmPz0sgxvzlfDks6oj_y4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8v_FA0w71pk/WU4c1W85H3I/AAAAAAAAL6s/7UkFBmkcbB0AmPz0sgxvzlfDks6oj_y4ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5828.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-19Ymye1vax0/WU4c2BiI2AI/AAAAAAAAL6w/gf1FSdgXAQkAkAbcIp69X54HykKUafNLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-19Ymye1vax0/WU4c2BiI2AI/AAAAAAAAL6w/gf1FSdgXAQkAkAbcIp69X54HykKUafNLwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5832.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HroeXng3GXw/WU4c3pvXPmI/AAAAAAAAL64/9W9Tp0rgyxoVjGMSzhP62mjDcaXx8oYDACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HroeXng3GXw/WU4c3pvXPmI/AAAAAAAAL64/9W9Tp0rgyxoVjGMSzhP62mjDcaXx8oYDACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5834.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2xs05mZiSA/WU4c4CXbSXI/AAAAAAAAL68/6ad_6r2G8fMdVEwc4pWq8VV-jvx6El30ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2xs05mZiSA/WU4c4CXbSXI/AAAAAAAAL68/6ad_6r2G8fMdVEwc4pWq8VV-jvx6El30ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5836.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lilly of the valley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaCTYYGhWEo/WU4c4yxhiFI/AAAAAAAAL7A/5rSedfO38209vEGzZC-5VJUm1GKapgFVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaCTYYGhWEo/WU4c4yxhiFI/AAAAAAAAL7A/5rSedfO38209vEGzZC-5VJUm1GKapgFVwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5842.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ECIMi9fzno/WU4c592kZeI/AAAAAAAAL7I/prJu6ygmZ7Qx0Em6ajGnp_4zX92zpxufACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ECIMi9fzno/WU4c592kZeI/AAAAAAAAL7I/prJu6ygmZ7Qx0Em6ajGnp_4zX92zpxufACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5848.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnuVgAyFhYY/WU4c6l2UuEI/AAAAAAAAL7M/hL8Y3CDjlaAdSV2NH-RWu6eNiu7od7TZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnuVgAyFhYY/WU4c6l2UuEI/AAAAAAAAL7M/hL8Y3CDjlaAdSV2NH-RWu6eNiu7od7TZQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5850.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QhspsgAXL8/WU4c7L_DE2I/AAAAAAAAL7Q/Hfsmqkkgumk2l8EM_jb6poPm2f5Z0PmoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1QhspsgAXL8/WU4c7L_DE2I/AAAAAAAAL7Q/Hfsmqkkgumk2l8EM_jb6poPm2f5Z0PmoACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5854.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nB4PKQKiAQQ/WU4c7gEq3RI/AAAAAAAAL7U/6Nl0XxbIkhMNhe074XaHf0Zu1z0L1qVpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nB4PKQKiAQQ/WU4c7gEq3RI/AAAAAAAAL7U/6Nl0XxbIkhMNhe074XaHf0Zu1z0L1qVpQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5898.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IM0m1j_-E2A/WU4c8VTmzTI/AAAAAAAAL7Y/--MhED4lzFY5GmyafUYmGoHsz8fBVWVgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IM0m1j_-E2A/WU4c8VTmzTI/AAAAAAAAL7Y/--MhED4lzFY5GmyafUYmGoHsz8fBVWVgwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5910.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">alpine chough</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9auPOhHriLY/WU4c9COC78I/AAAAAAAAL7c/Oh07QJHFV_Ejj0Y_NNJM3FvQPYFW1ZczQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9auPOhHriLY/WU4c9COC78I/AAAAAAAAL7c/Oh07QJHFV_Ejj0Y_NNJM3FvQPYFW1ZczQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5915.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8DLOKUrA-E/WU4c919IX6I/AAAAAAAAL7g/NY9PfpawdrAIvXWQOhpf9iKrZbnX5e-pACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b8DLOKUrA-E/WU4c919IX6I/AAAAAAAAL7g/NY9PfpawdrAIvXWQOhpf9iKrZbnX5e-pACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_5942.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bonnpSqpfWs/WU4c-Ytr2qI/AAAAAAAAL7k/GirLEXnDzVg2DXCvyID9FvlyifYswcKuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bonnpSqpfWs/WU4c-Ytr2qI/AAAAAAAAL7k/GirLEXnDzVg2DXCvyID9FvlyifYswcKuwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5960.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOHpuxh_nHw/WU4c_oe71wI/AAAAAAAAL7o/DSFIbcqG49ETw35M2EoIbFZUjgRfOOxrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOHpuxh_nHw/WU4c_oe71wI/AAAAAAAAL7o/DSFIbcqG49ETw35M2EoIbFZUjgRfOOxrwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5991.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkQHhpb9spQ/WU4dAR8RfzI/AAAAAAAAL7s/7f42C4Oppj01gyMXtnkRATHmogA0_SPFwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkQHhpb9spQ/WU4dAR8RfzI/AAAAAAAAL7s/7f42C4Oppj01gyMXtnkRATHmogA0_SPFwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_5992.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adSVfTzOS5E/WU4dB0Nq1pI/AAAAAAAAL70/LdniZQsQfjgryU_MHBlol2zBYzFjLBw0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-adSVfTzOS5E/WU4dB0Nq1pI/AAAAAAAAL70/LdniZQsQfjgryU_MHBlol2zBYzFjLBw0ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6000.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhVSt-Cfae4/WU4dCokQvNI/AAAAAAAAL74/xhIXFILjAnAK-1xWqfg1DZRNEuSiLVHoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GhVSt-Cfae4/WU4dCokQvNI/AAAAAAAAL74/xhIXFILjAnAK-1xWqfg1DZRNEuSiLVHoACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6002.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dF3ajATob0/WU4dDUkdi6I/AAAAAAAAL78/H7pMLSaGB9oUElpUqzOy3Q0VtKCtqpXrwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dF3ajATob0/WU4dDUkdi6I/AAAAAAAAL78/H7pMLSaGB9oUElpUqzOy3Q0VtKCtqpXrwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6005.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_yVrF1ctM8/WU4dDwtqleI/AAAAAAAAL8A/Tn4Xxc95dYwzww1yQNcfr-VgEIyyC24kwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_yVrF1ctM8/WU4dDwtqleI/AAAAAAAAL8A/Tn4Xxc95dYwzww1yQNcfr-VgEIyyC24kwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6009.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DomwPHrS5MM/WU4dEop24WI/AAAAAAAAL8E/XJpp-QJK3m48CBvOsb_bx8oquRmeSJ7EQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DomwPHrS5MM/WU4dEop24WI/AAAAAAAAL8E/XJpp-QJK3m48CBvOsb_bx8oquRmeSJ7EQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6010.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI0PXMdygJw/WU4dFbkaqEI/AAAAAAAAL8I/HBFyrku3Dz0ccmrIlxk8-4J6z1yJgif3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LI0PXMdygJw/WU4dFbkaqEI/AAAAAAAAL8I/HBFyrku3Dz0ccmrIlxk8-4J6z1yJgif3QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6015.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkyjPI_2oc8/WU4dF7wGcaI/AAAAAAAAL8M/VwAAi4FiG3kMUNGJ0tzY3nM2T_h5OH2ZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkyjPI_2oc8/WU4dF7wGcaI/AAAAAAAAL8M/VwAAi4FiG3kMUNGJ0tzY3nM2T_h5OH2ZQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6018.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krb7rBOS2pQ/WU4dG_qtNEI/AAAAAAAAL8U/BoxsGNFx4GY7DPhYKq5NV7rgBqsHFie0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krb7rBOS2pQ/WU4dG_qtNEI/AAAAAAAAL8U/BoxsGNFx4GY7DPhYKq5NV7rgBqsHFie0gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6030.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnOmHb2nJ48/WU4dHRoYuuI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/EmSU1MwT5A8rSjuhSImmzsTdIn8Y_SkSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wnOmHb2nJ48/WU4dHRoYuuI/AAAAAAAAL8Y/EmSU1MwT5A8rSjuhSImmzsTdIn8Y_SkSQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6041.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_I1rOqKrhQ/WU4dIdjzUqI/AAAAAAAAL8c/iAGY744Pb9gdQnCGwAXG568ym_dhorK3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_I1rOqKrhQ/WU4dIdjzUqI/AAAAAAAAL8c/iAGY744Pb9gdQnCGwAXG568ym_dhorK3QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6046.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QV7z9EZ9X3k/WU4dJWaIunI/AAAAAAAAL8g/0PSQqld-ilEsYL8Nmyw532IKzfimL7GGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QV7z9EZ9X3k/WU4dJWaIunI/AAAAAAAAL8g/0PSQqld-ilEsYL8Nmyw532IKzfimL7GGQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6053.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrjWaSfL-v8/WU4dK-vRf8I/AAAAAAAAL8k/SKxORbIMAocnYhpR0CUGTa_kzjeYVvLRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrjWaSfL-v8/WU4dK-vRf8I/AAAAAAAAL8k/SKxORbIMAocnYhpR0CUGTa_kzjeYVvLRwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6059.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYGG-QLpCRA/WU4dMUCdgII/AAAAAAAAL8o/zAXk4LdzkF8jWWbRbo5yfKlY_pnkdd9KQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TYGG-QLpCRA/WU4dMUCdgII/AAAAAAAAL8o/zAXk4LdzkF8jWWbRbo5yfKlY_pnkdd9KQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6082.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlUhM0jaSs8/WU4dNRsmtRI/AAAAAAAAL8s/QOuMgXxCeRccJXBZOiGSsE3YF3ON23usgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlUhM0jaSs8/WU4dNRsmtRI/AAAAAAAAL8s/QOuMgXxCeRccJXBZOiGSsE3YF3ON23usgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6094.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6lJIn_r3h0/WU4dOjzwQSI/AAAAAAAAL8w/eTWDM-haDjU2W_FCBHhd0ow50ryaoC3WwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I6lJIn_r3h0/WU4dOjzwQSI/AAAAAAAAL8w/eTWDM-haDjU2W_FCBHhd0ow50ryaoC3WwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6097.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5CIeFkxwRM/WU4dTkj-5DI/AAAAAAAAL84/iUP4RhU0D8gzRyw-k6euqSqAvFc8TvLMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5CIeFkxwRM/WU4dTkj-5DI/AAAAAAAAL84/iUP4RhU0D8gzRyw-k6euqSqAvFc8TvLMQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6099.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btc8h7L9iQc/WU4dVFmTZ1I/AAAAAAAAL88/IFlZ3LtJ8Q8QRxaZ84uqkilKW337gy9EQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btc8h7L9iQc/WU4dVFmTZ1I/AAAAAAAAL88/IFlZ3LtJ8Q8QRxaZ84uqkilKW337gy9EQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6102.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt4182OmSrg/WU4dWbUFYLI/AAAAAAAAL9A/ULJgsAa6vBIBLoUYuNLjpM9MJaiWpVAngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt4182OmSrg/WU4dWbUFYLI/AAAAAAAAL9A/ULJgsAa6vBIBLoUYuNLjpM9MJaiWpVAngCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6104.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woP15BhG4FY/WU4dXtBn2rI/AAAAAAAAL9E/bRDG_YAKuRMxXtX1183siKMZJjYgR6tpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woP15BhG4FY/WU4dXtBn2rI/AAAAAAAAL9E/bRDG_YAKuRMxXtX1183siKMZJjYgR6tpgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6108.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfKA4rPErfQ/WU4dY3dmTMI/AAAAAAAAL9I/pTMgmGO56zsxSoaJ4nFByCfRaOiF8qFCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfKA4rPErfQ/WU4dY3dmTMI/AAAAAAAAL9I/pTMgmGO56zsxSoaJ4nFByCfRaOiF8qFCQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6111.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VROFQGKnM8M/WU4dalboIfI/AAAAAAAAL9M/ctDf9qURvWkgbniHButwi-7Hepf-HxHHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VROFQGKnM8M/WU4dalboIfI/AAAAAAAAL9M/ctDf9qURvWkgbniHButwi-7Hepf-HxHHACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6114.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9KkmzcGyZY/WU4dbqISDwI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/HJRRnHSin-k54u9VtIeKF0AEHDYuzLg7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9KkmzcGyZY/WU4dbqISDwI/AAAAAAAAL9Q/HJRRnHSin-k54u9VtIeKF0AEHDYuzLg7QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6131.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQs7MZcnCGk/WU4ddccs-yI/AAAAAAAAL9U/igsCeeH6Du8bkooMLtRpm_eNnrVtmFqzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQs7MZcnCGk/WU4ddccs-yI/AAAAAAAAL9U/igsCeeH6Du8bkooMLtRpm_eNnrVtmFqzwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6134.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABiqbbvRQyE/WU4dexXqozI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/LcVoNXf0yugtfE8w7isAh3h13jvuQ4NzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABiqbbvRQyE/WU4dexXqozI/AAAAAAAAL9Y/LcVoNXf0yugtfE8w7isAh3h13jvuQ4NzQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6282.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVozuIEwTUs/WU4dgZMxftI/AAAAAAAAL9c/uLNoORBX7N8KfBuHI42BBNzhzGHmbz61wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVozuIEwTUs/WU4dgZMxftI/AAAAAAAAL9c/uLNoORBX7N8KfBuHI42BBNzhzGHmbz61wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6284.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A magnificent walk heavily reviewed on Tripadvisor was one near Murren called the<span style="font-size: small;"> Blumental Panorama Trail - this was quite out of this world - there were breath taking panoramas filled with alpine flowers and many butterflies such as swallowtails zipping by. This was the only place I found edelweiss after a long search. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI6H579kBeY/WU4diKfeJ6I/AAAAAAAAL9g/0erjvUzg7KAAYzeoMUvAyzaOQa3_g50eACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zI6H579kBeY/WU4diKfeJ6I/AAAAAAAAL9g/0erjvUzg7KAAYzeoMUvAyzaOQa3_g50eACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6289.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edqAkH6fmlw/WU4djSxb_FI/AAAAAAAAL9k/i-ixfcP0MZMnEIc5ycebCHFMSjguiIImwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edqAkH6fmlw/WU4djSxb_FI/AAAAAAAAL9k/i-ixfcP0MZMnEIc5ycebCHFMSjguiIImwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6292.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">butterwort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eur9IkpIRk/WU4dksODJLI/AAAAAAAAL9o/5yQVXYzmVfcqVAWtlEVazDRDc7f-p3ZagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eur9IkpIRk/WU4dksODJLI/AAAAAAAAL9o/5yQVXYzmVfcqVAWtlEVazDRDc7f-p3ZagCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6297.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wTLOpAzMPQ0/WU4dmJUc7eI/AAAAAAAAL9s/I1eDWQQCQC0uUc2LEviSuCi8h5AdjGvFwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wTLOpAzMPQ0/WU4dmJUc7eI/AAAAAAAAL9s/I1eDWQQCQC0uUc2LEviSuCi8h5AdjGvFwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6299.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVox-Trk3es/WU4dnAM9AHI/AAAAAAAAL9w/49nMzow3qsMF99hk7930O_3A1XSxFCuvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WVox-Trk3es/WU4dnAM9AHI/AAAAAAAAL9w/49nMzow3qsMF99hk7930O_3A1XSxFCuvwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6301.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjNNMbcYeUw/WU4doE0J7II/AAAAAAAAL90/AIGdEYYYyKcEZIuJxWHD5Rpahz-8kZuqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JjNNMbcYeUw/WU4doE0J7II/AAAAAAAAL90/AIGdEYYYyKcEZIuJxWHD5Rpahz-8kZuqwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6304.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGgLUm-5q4I/WU4dpVur4kI/AAAAAAAAL94/Zi3gWurrosc808gF2EUbcVhnzhYMLKMXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGgLUm-5q4I/WU4dpVur4kI/AAAAAAAAL94/Zi3gWurrosc808gF2EUbcVhnzhYMLKMXQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6308.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">edelweiss</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGN8JXfeTrM/WU4dqcRyFYI/AAAAAAAAL98/n0EpLmjTxeAPuwLJ2dquupz5hp0BLm00QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGN8JXfeTrM/WU4dqcRyFYI/AAAAAAAAL98/n0EpLmjTxeAPuwLJ2dquupz5hp0BLm00QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6311.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-9WQ0mAT3U/WU4drVTTdJI/AAAAAAAAL-A/yr5nmHbipdQOW2c42nrPP4rS1yrhMFQxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q-9WQ0mAT3U/WU4drVTTdJI/AAAAAAAAL-A/yr5nmHbipdQOW2c42nrPP4rS1yrhMFQxQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6315.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlnCc1truj0/WU4ds8jQk5I/AAAAAAAAL-E/gQgpvB0szcE6W4BhLqkYrMJkr_mXqZxPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlnCc1truj0/WU4ds8jQk5I/AAAAAAAAL-E/gQgpvB0szcE6W4BhLqkYrMJkr_mXqZxPQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6323.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UweHWob8Pls/WU4duRLMg8I/AAAAAAAAL-I/hvMLRSn3E8Iu4IFpNNsGJef-pONBu76KgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UweHWob8Pls/WU4duRLMg8I/AAAAAAAAL-I/hvMLRSn3E8Iu4IFpNNsGJef-pONBu76KgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6324.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ME8vfn_UI-4/WU4dvjl7U-I/AAAAAAAAL-M/0s7NvQpiLvgoWGf2_teElL6AnOADyGLSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ME8vfn_UI-4/WU4dvjl7U-I/AAAAAAAAL-M/0s7NvQpiLvgoWGf2_teElL6AnOADyGLSQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6325.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYldC3A2DI/WU4dw5P0s7I/AAAAAAAAL-Q/VmsViFY67s0Vn8eoO-4ElBdOKXi2ASF6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYldC3A2DI/WU4dw5P0s7I/AAAAAAAAL-Q/VmsViFY67s0Vn8eoO-4ElBdOKXi2ASF6wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6326.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cLEVL4qmek/WU4dynQ_ejI/AAAAAAAAL-U/ru39OAa7Vuk6LoH1_xahhpC8hZFdNJBHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cLEVL4qmek/WU4dynQ_ejI/AAAAAAAAL-U/ru39OAa7Vuk6LoH1_xahhpC8hZFdNJBHwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6336.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEmqST5ctJc/WU4d0BzyRmI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/j3xgPIA4IJIGhv4mTUbuZigb9Iz6PmjQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEmqST5ctJc/WU4d0BzyRmI/AAAAAAAAL-Y/j3xgPIA4IJIGhv4mTUbuZigb9Iz6PmjQwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6337.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORkb8jYG99U/WU4d14qaV8I/AAAAAAAAL-c/PdQ3IsZ_eUQWuUaz0XJ9T9OOsDgC3bt9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORkb8jYG99U/WU4d14qaV8I/AAAAAAAAL-c/PdQ3IsZ_eUQWuUaz0XJ9T9OOsDgC3bt9QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6338.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzUDVAfxeYc/WU4d2ooJcQI/AAAAAAAAL-g/PZWIjhX7SowNRUOA95uWAQUkh5Zq3RPhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzUDVAfxeYc/WU4d2ooJcQI/AAAAAAAAL-g/PZWIjhX7SowNRUOA95uWAQUkh5Zq3RPhACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6342.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWdHQJfV_sU/WU4d3h8BdVI/AAAAAAAAL-k/LKPDjGjua5Ma7bC5h_p5PpsjfekgUrLLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWdHQJfV_sU/WU4d3h8BdVI/AAAAAAAAL-k/LKPDjGjua5Ma7bC5h_p5PpsjfekgUrLLACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6347.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em23e4rO-RM/WU4d5IpTDlI/AAAAAAAAL-o/2qDmbm-AuGcf4dsMr8L--rixDEd0jGvzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em23e4rO-RM/WU4d5IpTDlI/AAAAAAAAL-o/2qDmbm-AuGcf4dsMr8L--rixDEd0jGvzgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6356.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGiE2RHaVWQ/WU4d6qz97VI/AAAAAAAAL-s/I7qrT9KH4PcxzEc3LmrzqPP5jrrDqcqeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGiE2RHaVWQ/WU4d6qz97VI/AAAAAAAAL-s/I7qrT9KH4PcxzEc3LmrzqPP5jrrDqcqeACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6363.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njEkZ9ji8oM/WU4d8chY0zI/AAAAAAAAL-w/JVXfpd8uW8ooCQDfN_Wywyc7QrluEXjPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njEkZ9ji8oM/WU4d8chY0zI/AAAAAAAAL-w/JVXfpd8uW8ooCQDfN_Wywyc7QrluEXjPQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6374.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p83HHLVaKzA/WU4d9-9qVwI/AAAAAAAAL-0/h1E46k2Y7UwX8qHl1m_ti8Ly0ypQA2KbwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p83HHLVaKzA/WU4d9-9qVwI/AAAAAAAAL-0/h1E46k2Y7UwX8qHl1m_ti8Ly0ypQA2KbwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6382.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPRgPTPCV7o/WU4d_cDQY3I/AAAAAAAAL-4/AfMsqCfbUCw7vRMzny5qko_41XrmNgh4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPRgPTPCV7o/WU4d_cDQY3I/AAAAAAAAL-4/AfMsqCfbUCw7vRMzny5qko_41XrmNgh4wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6383.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toEG9aqMv6w/WU4eCaNDyVI/AAAAAAAAL_A/7h4I_nf2j2EQsETrs9d-CFChFVlNCHflwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toEG9aqMv6w/WU4eCaNDyVI/AAAAAAAAL_A/7h4I_nf2j2EQsETrs9d-CFChFVlNCHflwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6396.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUc_GQMs0Go/WU4eDlZc6hI/AAAAAAAAL_E/kJkYn61RPho9XiQPYWP7O2H85jZ_dq6JwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUc_GQMs0Go/WU4eDlZc6hI/AAAAAAAAL_E/kJkYn61RPho9XiQPYWP7O2H85jZ_dq6JwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6400.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUkuFz6agbM/WU4eE-grCxI/AAAAAAAAL_I/caTK-O8xgxMd_TVG_xiAjtxIu4UUcX8zACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUkuFz6agbM/WU4eE-grCxI/AAAAAAAAL_I/caTK-O8xgxMd_TVG_xiAjtxIu4UUcX8zACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6411.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu8hBYAQ7xA/WU4eHei84LI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/BQFcyNiwUHUpzfHauxQbayFRhxrdm7hegCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6421b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu8hBYAQ7xA/WU4eHei84LI/AAAAAAAAL_Q/BQFcyNiwUHUpzfHauxQbayFRhxrdm7hegCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6421b.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf3k0H83Dwk/WU4eJvoAG8I/AAAAAAAAL_U/snwszFtNlr8EU4D-fMMfcWcby7jWB68RwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf3k0H83Dwk/WU4eJvoAG8I/AAAAAAAAL_U/snwszFtNlr8EU4D-fMMfcWcby7jWB68RwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6435.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rdj11WI118/WU4eLE64PbI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/LWfQt9YsfmE_CtBwgpG8WEQ_N0vpeIjYQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rdj11WI118/WU4eLE64PbI/AAAAAAAAL_Y/LWfQt9YsfmE_CtBwgpG8WEQ_N0vpeIjYQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6438.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was often the evocative sound of clanking cows bells in the lower meadows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKMV5gII1UY/WU4forMmSsI/AAAAAAAAL_w/gkdkvpsVHEYHcO1nVGjmB5XosMyrORd6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKMV5gII1UY/WU4forMmSsI/AAAAAAAAL_w/gkdkvpsVHEYHcO1nVGjmB5XosMyrORd6QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6450.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_cOn9NeCqs/WU4fpXEE4uI/AAAAAAAAL_0/KGHDRmQDjFsNBL6fafcGCt12VUt0BHfuACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_cOn9NeCqs/WU4fpXEE4uI/AAAAAAAAL_0/KGHDRmQDjFsNBL6fafcGCt12VUt0BHfuACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6453.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the old was of cutting</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MadS5It3kYQ/WU4fr-XchzI/AAAAAAAAMAA/YS7QHcqTRhEYA0HMVV8MyeGgK9kZRHVFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MadS5It3kYQ/WU4fr-XchzI/AAAAAAAAMAA/YS7QHcqTRhEYA0HMVV8MyeGgK9kZRHVFACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6471.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTZLoeWm3xw/WU4fsIG_AzI/AAAAAAAAMAE/f5BbyVfXiuQOiBD9rubdoFYb1GKKYZ76QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTZLoeWm3xw/WU4fsIG_AzI/AAAAAAAAMAE/f5BbyVfXiuQOiBD9rubdoFYb1GKKYZ76QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6476.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst traveling
through France we passed a field of hay being cut and 30 attendant kites
wheeled around to swoop on any small mammal caught out and exposed -
they then fought in an aerial battle for the find. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxVd1A7Xif0/WU4fsQrNJWI/AAAAAAAAMAI/qQVTkn8VK6opv259OJ-O5RtUa8-EcCBzACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxVd1A7Xif0/WU4fsQrNJWI/AAAAAAAAMAI/qQVTkn8VK6opv259OJ-O5RtUa8-EcCBzACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6484.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld90FRtZ8Gw/WU4fsQw9C8I/AAAAAAAAMAM/v3UPKMLQgMEUAw9xbIi85lFIW4ql7nKSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ld90FRtZ8Gw/WU4fsQw9C8I/AAAAAAAAMAM/v3UPKMLQgMEUAw9xbIi85lFIW4ql7nKSwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6494.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x08z2Lzwmgs/WU4fsuzoX5I/AAAAAAAAMAQ/QF1CNXneK2U9mdTSk2YxDX1Q9-ORpCAzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6494b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x08z2Lzwmgs/WU4fsuzoX5I/AAAAAAAAMAQ/QF1CNXneK2U9mdTSk2YxDX1Q9-ORpCAzgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6494b.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rwkq9f_MUGU/WU4ftGcEofI/AAAAAAAAMAU/K8XM7nQF6gwYc3y-tAmQSiQIuXv5mNeswCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rwkq9f_MUGU/WU4ftGcEofI/AAAAAAAAMAU/K8XM7nQF6gwYc3y-tAmQSiQIuXv5mNeswCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6496.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wi0-76jvNXk/WU4ftQUZldI/AAAAAAAAMAY/HwpuaURkzRkjmaJCsIwfrUkfze1UCNyEwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wi0-76jvNXk/WU4ftQUZldI/AAAAAAAAMAY/HwpuaURkzRkjmaJCsIwfrUkfze1UCNyEwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6502.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNGswjHk0_s/WU4ftv6eDbI/AAAAAAAAMAc/hVR5eL4pWQsOuO_oS46Tlv5L9fh_RxeuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNGswjHk0_s/WU4ftv6eDbI/AAAAAAAAMAc/hVR5eL4pWQsOuO_oS46Tlv5L9fh_RxeuQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6503.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lguJjBBxzg/WU4ft4t5WAI/AAAAAAAAMAg/qEYKUN3LdhUGHvt741G35XCuHa9XpuXJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lguJjBBxzg/WU4ft4t5WAI/AAAAAAAAMAg/qEYKUN3LdhUGHvt741G35XCuHa9XpuXJwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6504.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zaP0uj1yCo/WU4fuNeBYrI/AAAAAAAAMAk/Mtrxz0O_Q9wlYQgKcDSBbjXCbpOB3XazwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2zaP0uj1yCo/WU4fuNeBYrI/AAAAAAAAMAk/Mtrxz0O_Q9wlYQgKcDSBbjXCbpOB3XazwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6505.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnJ64WfojYE/WU4fuX2HwSI/AAAAAAAAMAo/VoYstDm8g1Yht1hGygjAmrnmz4BZj785QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnJ64WfojYE/WU4fuX2HwSI/AAAAAAAAMAo/VoYstDm8g1Yht1hGygjAmrnmz4BZj785QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6533.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-45332102390217348182017-05-28T23:31:00.002+01:002021-04-10T23:51:31.897+01:00North Devon<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple of nights under canvas at our favorite north Devon campsite, which hovers over rolling hills down to a steep cliff and ultimately the rocky beach, and the bird life did not disappoint.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My target species was a grasshopper warbler - last year I managed to get a good close up, but this time round all I could experience was the drifting sound of its reeling song. Some compensation came in the form of numerous chirpy wheatears - several of which were quite confiding - hopping between grassy mounds and sheep poop after insects. These were accompanied by the ever present stonechats, calling frequently but also singing - something that I'd not noticed before,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Away from the cliff edges and short grass, where the valley flattens out and reeds take hold on boggy ground, a (ringed) sedge warbler vigorously defended its territory. Numerous whitethroats scratched out their song, perched upon the gorse and hawthorn, where the woodbine flowers were starting to burst open and foxgloves spikes enticed many a bumble bee to clamber into their long pink flowers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The occasional willow warbler and blackbird were also holding territories, along with linnets and goldfinches. A fulmar passed overhead and a possible peregrine made an appearance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although overcast I did catch a few images: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChouXxfoRjQ/WStOi3uv2OI/AAAAAAAAL2M/YRistF4A6N4PMs8oXB4V7OzgCOMz5EPpgCLcB/s1600/sw001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1497" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChouXxfoRjQ/WStOi3uv2OI/AAAAAAAAL2M/YRistF4A6N4PMs8oXB4V7OzgCOMz5EPpgCLcB/s400/sw001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">sedge warbler with leg ring</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdyZuEcA3Lc/WStOi7KCErI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/RbwRKaPVNiYqln_SzaidHU4YCcJyoOf-gCLcB/s1600/wt001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdyZuEcA3Lc/WStOi7KCErI/AAAAAAAAL2Q/RbwRKaPVNiYqln_SzaidHU4YCcJyoOf-gCLcB/s400/wt001.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whitethroat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACA9YvlSw58/WStOiuPSzMI/AAAAAAAAL2I/iQ8xTJAFSWcJnsYwwmMaRKVEvceBKHy0QCLcB/s1600/wt002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1335" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACA9YvlSw58/WStOiuPSzMI/AAAAAAAAL2I/iQ8xTJAFSWcJnsYwwmMaRKVEvceBKHy0QCLcB/s400/wt002.jpg" width="333" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">whitethroat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQsO1fv2HDE/WStOjo9Ls5I/AAAAAAAAL2U/uilx2erYUaAsj-NNTG5qEZXIMffwfYzeACLcB/s1600/ww001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQsO1fv2HDE/WStOjo9Ls5I/AAAAAAAAL2U/uilx2erYUaAsj-NNTG5qEZXIMffwfYzeACLcB/s400/ww001.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">willow warbler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZiJwPZEzdo/WStOj7DifmI/AAAAAAAAL2c/ZxZXHdh_pVkgqVtfdlcjyAfg3SQRMxPXgCLcB/s1600/ww003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eZiJwPZEzdo/WStOj7DifmI/AAAAAAAAL2c/ZxZXHdh_pVkgqVtfdlcjyAfg3SQRMxPXgCLcB/s400/ww003.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">willow warbler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPrQPjlHFqg/WStPKOaRbhI/AAAAAAAAL2k/tQwhKcNsuXgXSxstkNAbcKCO8FN_etvnACLcB/s1600/IMG_5528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPrQPjlHFqg/WStPKOaRbhI/AAAAAAAAL2k/tQwhKcNsuXgXSxstkNAbcKCO8FN_etvnACLcB/s400/IMG_5528.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1CxdIh6ys8/WStPK-7a1_I/AAAAAAAAL2o/NPKCDnhV0TwZqgxts-8-sp-H_l3GqFWfwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1CxdIh6ys8/WStPK-7a1_I/AAAAAAAAL2o/NPKCDnhV0TwZqgxts-8-sp-H_l3GqFWfwCLcB/s400/IMG_5527.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjHKoLEpudw/WStPLFXyGaI/AAAAAAAAL2s/lJdUix6vfoUYRyrVAVqQme9k6P57GRhcwCLcB/s1600/oxeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjHKoLEpudw/WStPLFXyGaI/AAAAAAAAL2s/lJdUix6vfoUYRyrVAVqQme9k6P57GRhcwCLcB/s400/oxeye.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-76710472824625269922017-05-20T08:31:00.000+01:002017-05-20T08:31:09.416+01:00Stonking Sunday in Somerset<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last Sunday I had a truly stonking visit to the Somerset Levels - the spring birds were out in force and giving good views - albeit quite distant for most.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Highlights were cuckoos, bitterns, bearded tits, glossy ibis, gw egrets, hobbys, Cetti's and garden warblers, baby tawny owls and a single garganey. None of these were particularly easy to photograph as they were all distant but I managed to get some record shots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QMIycnaT8M/WR_u1u2tI1I/AAAAAAAAL0k/FgsIR24B4gQAI8TtwnxPkOxKKP9mo8f7QCLcB/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7QMIycnaT8M/WR_u1u2tI1I/AAAAAAAAL0k/FgsIR24B4gQAI8TtwnxPkOxKKP9mo8f7QCLcB/s400/001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">great white egret</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUbdHMYjN-g/WR_u1rtsQ5I/AAAAAAAAL0o/5hu_5boP9ZMpf3ZcuJaXRtVUcvjXJWQGACLcB/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUbdHMYjN-g/WR_u1rtsQ5I/AAAAAAAAL0o/5hu_5boP9ZMpf3ZcuJaXRtVUcvjXJWQGACLcB/s400/002.jpg" width="297" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BH8sxAo0g8/WR_u2jqm-VI/AAAAAAAAL0s/UyFf4hUTemEg90Bks6HMSirup8YljKW7gCLcB/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4BH8sxAo0g8/WR_u2jqm-VI/AAAAAAAAL0s/UyFf4hUTemEg90Bks6HMSirup8YljKW7gCLcB/s400/003.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Black-tailed godwits</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAjxhZH2DBc/WR_u2geFgWI/AAAAAAAAL00/A_JEH2tN_Z0PoY_hA829NjbesGWwABxTwCLcB/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAjxhZH2DBc/WR_u2geFgWI/AAAAAAAAL00/A_JEH2tN_Z0PoY_hA829NjbesGWwABxTwCLcB/s400/004.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cetti's warbler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wpFYQSdBdI/WR_u2vgRb7I/AAAAAAAAL0w/XtW1bf7JgLUIARXpI_QRI_zPh5MCTWxkACLcB/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wpFYQSdBdI/WR_u2vgRb7I/AAAAAAAAL0w/XtW1bf7JgLUIARXpI_QRI_zPh5MCTWxkACLcB/s400/005.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfeIZ6wYCkE/WR_u3NJQ19I/AAAAAAAAL04/vN6_8pTl3XkCjJlb5pltYIGSH9bK26pIACLcB/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfeIZ6wYCkE/WR_u3NJQ19I/AAAAAAAAL04/vN6_8pTl3XkCjJlb5pltYIGSH9bK26pIACLcB/s400/006.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgdvmyxHUUQ/WR_u3A02AGI/AAAAAAAAL08/PxA9IEHVfGc7B3CEUnbA4x8Q_CnZQcpkQCLcB/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgdvmyxHUUQ/WR_u3A02AGI/AAAAAAAAL08/PxA9IEHVfGc7B3CEUnbA4x8Q_CnZQcpkQCLcB/s400/007.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9bqg9mwg7U/WR_u3QLuQFI/AAAAAAAAL1A/0n3cfObUvbkQ9a5rIbiZ83NQWg-zVVZCQCLcB/s1600/008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9bqg9mwg7U/WR_u3QLuQFI/AAAAAAAAL1A/0n3cfObUvbkQ9a5rIbiZ83NQWg-zVVZCQCLcB/s400/008.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">female bullfinch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y-w8CdLz0o/WR_u3qATfaI/AAAAAAAAL1I/-0iTA7fV-U0C-NrPdTubfXLEjiws2B09wCLcB/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y-w8CdLz0o/WR_u3qATfaI/AAAAAAAAL1I/-0iTA7fV-U0C-NrPdTubfXLEjiws2B09wCLcB/s400/009.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Glossy ibis</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtevO7isQJI/WR_u3nHIOVI/AAAAAAAAL1E/52n7DzC1fOgXK1d9mM_aFuwYcOTBwp9jQCLcB/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtevO7isQJI/WR_u3nHIOVI/AAAAAAAAL1E/52n7DzC1fOgXK1d9mM_aFuwYcOTBwp9jQCLcB/s400/010.jpg" width="278" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">hobby - in the original you can see the dragonfly in its beak but the bird is very dark</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VaXa5zzBYw/WR_u31hY4gI/AAAAAAAAL1M/eonL6nLmOGUMn-cjqc6Pc8h0fRkOcHB0ACLcB/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VaXa5zzBYw/WR_u31hY4gI/AAAAAAAAL1M/eonL6nLmOGUMn-cjqc6Pc8h0fRkOcHB0ACLcB/s400/011.jpg" width="305" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">reed warbler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh yes - and it rained rocks at one point - but I was safety tucked in a hide thank goodness </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljFeSsTju1c/WR_u4eeeVoI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/Tj6uUg60S9wdhKMQz3pwg_KDv2flmm5MACLcB/s1600/012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljFeSsTju1c/WR_u4eeeVoI/AAAAAAAAL1Q/Tj6uUg60S9wdhKMQz3pwg_KDv2flmm5MACLcB/s400/012.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sztl6z4hxU0/WR_u4doCHlI/AAAAAAAAL1U/nP1mPmUjQFA2kvwol3Nu_uXxs766YF9AgCLcB/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sztl6z4hxU0/WR_u4doCHlI/AAAAAAAAL1U/nP1mPmUjQFA2kvwol3Nu_uXxs766YF9AgCLcB/s400/013.jpg" width="265" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV18pbs6PkI/WR_u5JNw4xI/AAAAAAAAL1g/ItLUSXXyhNs4l8HctrIMbxcR9YX0OJvZgCLcB/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AV18pbs6PkI/WR_u5JNw4xI/AAAAAAAAL1g/ItLUSXXyhNs4l8HctrIMbxcR9YX0OJvZgCLcB/s400/014.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOiYx7K5Tv0/WR_u4y9fhwI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/3M1p1AZ642Uz41uJ9dIm277zhtoDoC4AQCLcB/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOiYx7K5Tv0/WR_u4y9fhwI/AAAAAAAAL1Y/3M1p1AZ642Uz41uJ9dIm277zhtoDoC4AQCLcB/s400/015.jpg" width="276" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bearded tit with insect in beak</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LSYqPM9Dn8/WR_u4wJroaI/AAAAAAAAL1c/AhmPS6ciu6cS_eOD0WJjwc89M8C_DqHJwCLcB/s1600/016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LSYqPM9Dn8/WR_u4wJroaI/AAAAAAAAL1c/AhmPS6ciu6cS_eOD0WJjwc89M8C_DqHJwCLcB/s400/016.jpg" width="271" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2In5XFpwkIg/WR_u5iNOB2I/AAAAAAAAL1k/eA1LoqF1Ldcz_bggi4J85xkAfS5QeavTACLcB/s1600/017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2In5XFpwkIg/WR_u5iNOB2I/AAAAAAAAL1k/eA1LoqF1Ldcz_bggi4J85xkAfS5QeavTACLcB/s400/017.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">marsh harrier</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Y9eRdVBAw/WR_u5qQTUvI/AAAAAAAAL1o/HuRS5eOTjRMFItqnsHNbU8PXnYSdyYdvgCLcB/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3Y9eRdVBAw/WR_u5qQTUvI/AAAAAAAAL1o/HuRS5eOTjRMFItqnsHNbU8PXnYSdyYdvgCLcB/s400/018.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">tawny owletts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfOpd-559_g/WR_u6mtqF2I/AAAAAAAAL10/4K53olnIpHEhJ41uCHpCUQzFFY6x4ce8ACLcB/s1600/019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfOpd-559_g/WR_u6mtqF2I/AAAAAAAAL10/4K53olnIpHEhJ41uCHpCUQzFFY6x4ce8ACLcB/s400/019.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">hawthorn</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfRz0-0voUM/WR_u6bI5TJI/AAAAAAAAL1s/B0ccgA7zQkgQnHNLSfRTtVo7_CQQziokgCLcB/s1600/020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfRz0-0voUM/WR_u6bI5TJI/AAAAAAAAL1s/B0ccgA7zQkgQnHNLSfRTtVo7_CQQziokgCLcB/s400/020.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">reed warblers collecting nesting material</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vc0qPp1Hu2c/WR_u6vrVFSI/AAAAAAAAL1w/BiCLSJ7-mrk3a0KAgDRR1KjaOK-d7G1xACLcB/s1600/021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vc0qPp1Hu2c/WR_u6vrVFSI/AAAAAAAAL1w/BiCLSJ7-mrk3a0KAgDRR1KjaOK-d7G1xACLcB/s400/021.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">garden warbler singing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ207GjW4oU/WR_u66igHTI/AAAAAAAAL14/y8grAPzSoW0Pn6zdGMCzQlUqkxA8vKY_wCLcB/s1600/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ207GjW4oU/WR_u66igHTI/AAAAAAAAL14/y8grAPzSoW0Pn6zdGMCzQlUqkxA8vKY_wCLcB/s400/022.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-63959660949659323342017-05-07T09:27:00.000+01:002017-05-07T09:27:17.823+01:00Spring harvest in Somerset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">OUR visit to the Somerset Levels reaped rich rewards, with a long list of summer bird ticks and others, including cuckoos, swifts, swallows, hobbies, warblers (reed, white-throat, willow, chiffchaff, garden, blackcap), cattle and great white egrets, bitterns, bt godwits, marsh harriers, plus smooth snakes, (black) adder and grass snake.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One surprise was a predated swift, which we were sure was a victim of a hobby as nothing else could capture one in flight and they would not be on land. Also we found a discarded clutch of hatched moorhen eggs and another egg not yet identified.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BusK2p_qF6k/WQ7VUc8skFI/AAAAAAAALzk/JsVGXH2n9eMvznFYhd3s8Sd7YJUlLOVhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5003b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BusK2p_qF6k/WQ7VUc8skFI/AAAAAAAALzk/JsVGXH2n9eMvznFYhd3s8Sd7YJUlLOVhgCLcB/s400/IMG_5003b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">slow worm</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydYuSN2BDYw/WQ7VUKrmLOI/AAAAAAAALzg/YksyLuZj3kEqNmjWqmKxamID0ZQLwgSLACLcB/s1600/IMG_5021b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ydYuSN2BDYw/WQ7VUKrmLOI/AAAAAAAALzg/YksyLuZj3kEqNmjWqmKxamID0ZQLwgSLACLcB/s400/IMG_5021b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">white throat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFhH5PtwmYE/WQ7Zu9PR_7I/AAAAAAAAL0U/XAwZQVxIFBAsEhMYuG3bdBU5ji-5qYATACLcB/s1600/IMG_5021b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFhH5PtwmYE/WQ7Zu9PR_7I/AAAAAAAAL0U/XAwZQVxIFBAsEhMYuG3bdBU5ji-5qYATACLcB/s400/IMG_5021b.JPG" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKKP6nBLadQ/WQ7XEzQUH4I/AAAAAAAAL0E/6hHedYsCwIUe69zEXSYP6IbVQztfFTwqwCEw/s1600/IMG_5039b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKKP6nBLadQ/WQ7XEzQUH4I/AAAAAAAAL0E/6hHedYsCwIUe69zEXSYP6IbVQztfFTwqwCEw/s400/IMG_5039b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Moorhen eggs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuF1flXKqFQ/WQ7VU8AZPPI/AAAAAAAALzs/O9RH3AQmi0UPkROaYx72GWXBeiFIP8YHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5036b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuF1flXKqFQ/WQ7VU8AZPPI/AAAAAAAALzs/O9RH3AQmi0UPkROaYx72GWXBeiFIP8YHQCLcB/s400/IMG_5036b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-0zMUP-L9A/WQ7VU8QhWQI/AAAAAAAALzo/diQc0Zkqlx8tbvPPJZUI24l88G1Es3RoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5034b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n-0zMUP-L9A/WQ7VU8QhWQI/AAAAAAAALzo/diQc0Zkqlx8tbvPPJZUI24l88G1Es3RoQCLcB/s400/IMG_5034b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ex-swift</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some record shots:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaloeMtu9XQ/WQ7YVoAIwVI/AAAAAAAAL0I/uHEGfJ2r6Jg1k3qQsa4SVAoDPN8KJhkmACLcB/s1600/IMG_4994b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaloeMtu9XQ/WQ7YVoAIwVI/AAAAAAAAL0I/uHEGfJ2r6Jg1k3qQsa4SVAoDPN8KJhkmACLcB/s640/IMG_4994b.JPG" width="418" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hobby</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSXM0pxzL3A/WQ7Wte2uYyI/AAAAAAAALz4/ZbYy6S0Mtew9hWHI5dgAOskglkfg4OIsQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5071b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSXM0pxzL3A/WQ7Wte2uYyI/AAAAAAAALz4/ZbYy6S0Mtew9hWHI5dgAOskglkfg4OIsQCLcB/s400/IMG_5071b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7 (!) Cattle egrets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x57scsE8jII/WQ7WxWE-51I/AAAAAAAALz8/ahVOdRCxOaQHNKd8uaw4KLeqKU3coFoRQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5063b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x57scsE8jII/WQ7WxWE-51I/AAAAAAAALz8/ahVOdRCxOaQHNKd8uaw4KLeqKU3coFoRQCLcB/s400/IMG_5063b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Grass snake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-20304672322369378752017-05-05T23:28:00.002+01:002017-05-05T23:33:28.083+01:00Kittiwakes and moors<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A visit up north to York, Newcastle\Gateshead and Manchester - what a weekend!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We did not go for the wildlife, but we managed to slip in a visit to the pretty amazing kittwakes nesting (or at least queuing up to start the breeding season) on the riverside bridges and the Baltic Flour Mill. A special viewing gallery lets you get up close and personal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxKYFZeh4Cc/WQzzKa2YKOI/AAAAAAAALxg/hUa_dQ4rn_Qk5eQC7y9_i0Hn6Ut0SR2nACEw/s1600/IMG_4778b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxKYFZeh4Cc/WQzzKa2YKOI/AAAAAAAALxg/hUa_dQ4rn_Qk5eQC7y9_i0Hn6Ut0SR2nACEw/s400/IMG_4778b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qqe9wA0FqE/WQzzKgV3vmI/AAAAAAAALxk/eoJ6u0QQO7shT4vAdR4ePGkguUy6AdIbwCEw/s1600/IMG_4779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qqe9wA0FqE/WQzzKgV3vmI/AAAAAAAALxk/eoJ6u0QQO7shT4vAdR4ePGkguUy6AdIbwCEw/s400/IMG_4779.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdcxuCH_A9c/WQzzKJ8v7lI/AAAAAAAALxc/1-XL6mVeG1Qp6mIcXSKlud4a45-EjTeQQCEw/s1600/IMG_4807b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kdcxuCH_A9c/WQzzKJ8v7lI/AAAAAAAALxc/1-XL6mVeG1Qp6mIcXSKlud4a45-EjTeQQCEw/s400/IMG_4807b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCIg8yiCKms/WQzzLJmT3nI/AAAAAAAALxo/lIAVMpwmuBIFkpSsAw24umEr_-GkkdanwCEw/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GCIg8yiCKms/WQzzLJmT3nI/AAAAAAAALxo/lIAVMpwmuBIFkpSsAw24umEr_-GkkdanwCEw/s400/IMG_4808.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZECpEuDgTY/WQzzM8v-4aI/AAAAAAAALx4/KrbQ2I9ByYg4HVZedbTpkBFuijZ9ld25ACEw/s1600/IMG_4875b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZECpEuDgTY/WQzzM8v-4aI/AAAAAAAALx4/KrbQ2I9ByYg4HVZedbTpkBFuijZ9ld25ACEw/s400/IMG_4875b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YY5m7TDqh60/WQzzNeZ9DrI/AAAAAAAALx8/47FPn2K15W0Hfl5WHUl34ocJaU2c469qwCEw/s1600/IMG_4871b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YY5m7TDqh60/WQzzNeZ9DrI/AAAAAAAALx8/47FPn2K15W0Hfl5WHUl34ocJaU2c469qwCEw/s400/IMG_4871b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-duwPwovEK14/WQzzLxHFnYI/AAAAAAAALxw/rbo5PlUfLTwEXftXXZmpk1E1_vi8qGyWACEw/s1600/IMG_4823b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-duwPwovEK14/WQzzLxHFnYI/AAAAAAAALxw/rbo5PlUfLTwEXftXXZmpk1E1_vi8qGyWACEw/s400/IMG_4823b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhXgGqPsNKs/WQzzL7RDBiI/AAAAAAAALxs/Qo0873huEUYjLTJ4OWlW9DYicIl44II1gCEw/s1600/IMG_4819b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhXgGqPsNKs/WQzzL7RDBiI/AAAAAAAALxs/Qo0873huEUYjLTJ4OWlW9DYicIl44II1gCEw/s400/IMG_4819b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst up north we traveled to the beautiful North York Moors NP, which looked stunning with a big open, rolling landscape. We went for a short hike from Litton along the river, through a small nature reserve and back round. The spring had certainly arrived with curlews and oyster catchers calling and many spring flowers, such as primroses, early purple orchids and water avens blooming.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IV0jFatRLg/WQzzNpxg-xI/AAAAAAAALyA/BmBGxrEMcvw1MpNgaYEOmLglUOK8DIDzgCEw/s1600/IMG_4889b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4IV0jFatRLg/WQzzNpxg-xI/AAAAAAAALyA/BmBGxrEMcvw1MpNgaYEOmLglUOK8DIDzgCEw/s400/IMG_4889b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Io9HmSP0q0c/WQzzN4B7TlI/AAAAAAAALyE/1mNHwxG9ljwJbRLEU-5tyPnVWXT3jWYGwCEw/s1600/IMG_4902c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Io9HmSP0q0c/WQzzN4B7TlI/AAAAAAAALyE/1mNHwxG9ljwJbRLEU-5tyPnVWXT3jWYGwCEw/s400/IMG_4902c.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_S5qSorWOM/WQzzPqcR7jI/AAAAAAAALyM/5HZ_uEmF-howd2YGDWCB5dl8lZJu9t4sgCEw/s1600/IMG_4932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_S5qSorWOM/WQzzPqcR7jI/AAAAAAAALyM/5HZ_uEmF-howd2YGDWCB5dl8lZJu9t4sgCEw/s400/IMG_4932.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffUxoz9_bUQ/WQzzQqxiSyI/AAAAAAAALyQ/oEJ60zxqBW84FzqGjZAEYwEE4_6m3BaWACEw/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffUxoz9_bUQ/WQzzQqxiSyI/AAAAAAAALyQ/oEJ60zxqBW84FzqGjZAEYwEE4_6m3BaWACEw/s400/IMG_4940.JPG" width="266" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4HICVIddQU/WQz38EGZYvI/AAAAAAAALys/PulWGKECAx857W6p7xUbDkMK9zp2o8LEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4HICVIddQU/WQz38EGZYvI/AAAAAAAALys/PulWGKECAx857W6p7xUbDkMK9zp2o8LEgCLcB/s400/IMG_4881.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNr7C-w8f6M/WQz36i7V8gI/AAAAAAAALyk/tCl7bLhyPj8d_KhgcbFd9TTW2Wi5rzIogCLcB/s1600/IMG_4888b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNr7C-w8f6M/WQz36i7V8gI/AAAAAAAALyk/tCl7bLhyPj8d_KhgcbFd9TTW2Wi5rzIogCLcB/s640/IMG_4888b.JPG" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZw_xS0aZsY/WQz37VRKfoI/AAAAAAAALyo/pFY1KwD7bAwMllvU0WRAduhi799mnRkeQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4912b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZw_xS0aZsY/WQz37VRKfoI/AAAAAAAALyo/pFY1KwD7bAwMllvU0WRAduhi799mnRkeQCLcB/s400/IMG_4912b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgHnQ0I4Fk0/WQz3-EJYwzI/AAAAAAAALyw/tePmVDHcAikTbKxCib0gP91n7j_i4e2NACLcB/s1600/IMG_4918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgHnQ0I4Fk0/WQz3-EJYwzI/AAAAAAAALyw/tePmVDHcAikTbKxCib0gP91n7j_i4e2NACLcB/s400/IMG_4918.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7NFmUFAJMQ/WQz3_NgtYtI/AAAAAAAALy0/449Si5W4v8cNFSfRDsPhOn0xBELvdcG3gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7NFmUFAJMQ/WQz3_NgtYtI/AAAAAAAALy0/449Si5W4v8cNFSfRDsPhOn0xBELvdcG3gCLcB/s400/IMG_4921.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpGRwelmjaM/WQz3_YAutGI/AAAAAAAALy4/ErHCabgOQv0ajyXRweWhg_5eqVhUL7eywCLcB/s1600/IMG_4927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpGRwelmjaM/WQz3_YAutGI/AAAAAAAALy4/ErHCabgOQv0ajyXRweWhg_5eqVhUL7eywCLcB/s400/IMG_4927.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2092823065"></span><span id="goog_2092823066"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-u_frAMbt0/WQz6v0AlKAI/AAAAAAAALzE/vWeM_5d8-igUyxYL2uEPZA9FT1K99wAkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4986b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-u_frAMbt0/WQz6v0AlKAI/AAAAAAAALzE/vWeM_5d8-igUyxYL2uEPZA9FT1K99wAkQCLcB/s400/IMG_4986b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2092823065"></span><span id="goog_2092823066"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4GEGJG4pgQ/WQz7xt8PoMI/AAAAAAAALzQ/nE5mTSZoBfUomYkkk-LHtGFQ8Tukpqh4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_4966b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4GEGJG4pgQ/WQz7xt8PoMI/AAAAAAAALzQ/nE5mTSZoBfUomYkkk-LHtGFQ8Tukpqh4wCLcB/s400/IMG_4966b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2092823065"></span><span id="goog_2092823066"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiDgxvWlwpQ/WQz7mJcGvGI/AAAAAAAALzM/TC-IgG7Kl-cinU5tzJxQw_lr-cOeyiPFACEw/s1600/IMG_4959b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiDgxvWlwpQ/WQz7mJcGvGI/AAAAAAAALzM/TC-IgG7Kl-cinU5tzJxQw_lr-cOeyiPFACEw/s400/IMG_4959b.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="goog_2092823065"></span><span id="goog_2092823066"></span><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-86691936424820898432017-04-17T19:54:00.000+01:002017-04-17T19:54:05.049+01:00Spring butterflies<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ONE of the most attractive, common spring insects, and one easily spotted, is the orange-tip butterfly. Its feeds on cuckoo flower and the males patrol for available females - whilst photographing a fresh female a suitor came by and she raised her abdomen alluringly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJy3X5IR3gk/WPUNN4Ln-YI/AAAAAAAALwc/gmXxcBOTZvY-sK9BOEKw8ow0VdS-UDCIACLcB/s1600/ot001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJy3X5IR3gk/WPUNN4Ln-YI/AAAAAAAALwc/gmXxcBOTZvY-sK9BOEKw8ow0VdS-UDCIACLcB/s400/ot001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avBTwBkrbS4/WPUNNgmg1_I/AAAAAAAALwY/fn5vP4w6668IBy-YZcrNG94L78zpZRClACLcB/s1600/ot002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avBTwBkrbS4/WPUNNgmg1_I/AAAAAAAALwY/fn5vP4w6668IBy-YZcrNG94L78zpZRClACLcB/s400/ot002.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9pGoFMyOd8/WPUNN8yxALI/AAAAAAAALwg/rOM4Qkh6ZQoKq73wmvCvoyn8tMVhh9BfgCLcB/s1600/ot003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n9pGoFMyOd8/WPUNN8yxALI/AAAAAAAALwg/rOM4Qkh6ZQoKq73wmvCvoyn8tMVhh9BfgCLcB/s400/ot003.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqol3nGalmg/WPUNOZDyqnI/AAAAAAAALwk/KODA00FCTL45XNO9AyYyv_ERUJpF0yl9gCLcB/s1600/ot004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eqol3nGalmg/WPUNOZDyqnI/AAAAAAAALwk/KODA00FCTL45XNO9AyYyv_ERUJpF0yl9gCLcB/s400/ot004.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r688CHz3qOM/WPUNOvw2WvI/AAAAAAAALwo/JK4jnf9aKYYZDS0c35ppzblVQ4tyqNitwCLcB/s1600/ot005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r688CHz3qOM/WPUNOvw2WvI/AAAAAAAALwo/JK4jnf9aKYYZDS0c35ppzblVQ4tyqNitwCLcB/s400/ot005.jpg" width="396" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2efKbr6DjO8/WPUNOtobc5I/AAAAAAAALws/hlFxwv0aMN8fCGc7c0C_0WwR58BQcRgFgCLcB/s1600/ot006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2efKbr6DjO8/WPUNOtobc5I/AAAAAAAALws/hlFxwv0aMN8fCGc7c0C_0WwR58BQcRgFgCLcB/s400/ot006.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also seen today were numerous slow worms - if you look carefully you can see a very small grass-snake tail top right.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma-qY8DWVmo/WPUNPHdaLeI/AAAAAAAALww/xW8rS8EjT1o1VdFdzcKRp9b1mBD6uC5xwCLcB/s1600/slowworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma-qY8DWVmo/WPUNPHdaLeI/AAAAAAAALww/xW8rS8EjT1o1VdFdzcKRp9b1mBD6uC5xwCLcB/s400/slowworm.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Other highlights today were a glossy ibis, little ringed and ringed plovers, redshank and black-tailed godwits, bitterns and numerous great white egrets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydy7FRNxZ74/WPUOksggD3I/AAAAAAAALw4/Gtg0CI7OH2Ufa6dBdTNAKXM0aGmgidqkgCLcB/s1600/gwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydy7FRNxZ74/WPUOksggD3I/AAAAAAAALw4/Gtg0CI7OH2Ufa6dBdTNAKXM0aGmgidqkgCLcB/s400/gwe.jpg" width="306" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDMP-mOPxNc/WPUOl_hdziI/AAAAAAAALw8/KUYl1QZh8CcJ-o-5MAZscKVwlAdWbysUgCLcB/s1600/ibis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDMP-mOPxNc/WPUOl_hdziI/AAAAAAAALw8/KUYl1QZh8CcJ-o-5MAZscKVwlAdWbysUgCLcB/s400/ibis.jpg" width="278" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-69796790361355589692017-04-09T22:43:00.000+01:002017-04-09T22:49:22.061+01:00Blackthorn spring herald<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BLACKTHORN is not perhaps the most glamorous of plants, but is carries a special place in many peoples' hearts as it chooses the earliest time of the year to open its <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">thousands of<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>small white flowers - much appreciated by insects. In many places its currently in full bloom, although in warmer spots bushes may have already gone over. Of course later in the year its black grape-like fruits have a special place in many a gin drinker's heart too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This prickly character can quickly invade abandoned grasslands, throwing up spiky, unforgiving shoots, but with active grazing it is usually held in check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's West Yatton Down nature reserve (not a site they own but one with an agreement, and also a SSSI) the blackthorns in the valley are many, old and gnarly. Several are so heavily encrusted with foliose lichen that the flowers play second fiddle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The frequent nibbling by stock has made for thick twisted branches and a tunnel of white blossom. Green hair-streak likes this spot, but none were seen today.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_RcI6c8Osk/WOqp865GBxI/AAAAAAAALv4/he-gLSwBv94-3ajEkIdwPEk2IaAzWQkUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_RcI6c8Osk/WOqp865GBxI/AAAAAAAALv4/he-gLSwBv94-3ajEkIdwPEk2IaAzWQkUgCLcB/s400/IMG_4671.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GY80SjzuIo4/WOqp88SRG7I/AAAAAAAALv0/1Ub8MojNC3g2J4gfgr2xQea064F-vjtIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GY80SjzuIo4/WOqp88SRG7I/AAAAAAAALv0/1Ub8MojNC3g2J4gfgr2xQea064F-vjtIgCLcB/s400/IMG_4674.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8JiEDQUNj8/WOqp9emycXI/AAAAAAAALv8/9RbHlKql_0040ZuftN4ZKL297J5T3OfzACLcB/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8JiEDQUNj8/WOqp9emycXI/AAAAAAAALv8/9RbHlKql_0040ZuftN4ZKL297J5T3OfzACLcB/s400/IMG_4678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jW6Ov2NDBgc/WOqp-UMBheI/AAAAAAAALwA/_nISu7CxfC81kt6Syw9jYg5F8pFu39OSgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jW6Ov2NDBgc/WOqp-UMBheI/AAAAAAAALwA/_nISu7CxfC81kt6Syw9jYg5F8pFu39OSgCLcB/s400/IMG_4679.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-52891471171603416432017-04-02T22:27:00.000+01:002017-04-02T22:34:10.835+01:00Migrants returning and songsters singing<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A fabulous weekend and a great chance to see how spring was getting on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The warmth has, at last, brought out the reptiles and I came across my first slow worm of the year. Then a little way on found a grass snake basking in the warmth, deep in dry grass and short nettles on a south facing bank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdAm1rQ67No/WOFuL0x6YeI/AAAAAAAALvk/-7dYthOT9_IvpkSG9b3SZNbwujK53oWUQCLcB/s1600/gs001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QdAm1rQ67No/WOFuL0x6YeI/AAAAAAAALvk/-7dYthOT9_IvpkSG9b3SZNbwujK53oWUQCLcB/s400/gs001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Grass snake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the way to this site (Natural England's Shapwick Heath) I searched for an overwintering cattle egret that I hoped might still be around.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's a slightly untidy traditional farm where numerous egrets gather. Here the grazing cattle stir up insects and worms in a muddy and tightly grazed field. There were 12 little egrets drifting this way and that, following the cattle and amongst them a wonderful, small, stocky, pearly white egret - a cattle egret;</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69fKAm2LXbo/WOFDgpXqgDI/AAAAAAAALuI/w8jIdFoBtM44z6ooH7Q9rDli8-6STCXZwCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69fKAm2LXbo/WOFDgpXqgDI/AAAAAAAALuI/w8jIdFoBtM44z6ooH7Q9rDli8-6STCXZwCLcB/s400/cattle-egret001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8thKZfc_XV0/WOFDgkYz-tI/AAAAAAAALuE/mTr338NqXUsYi64xjbHeoCsFBizFETrFwCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8thKZfc_XV0/WOFDgkYz-tI/AAAAAAAALuE/mTr338NqXUsYi64xjbHeoCsFBizFETrFwCLcB/s400/cattle-egret002.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnTnXHPMZ14/WOFDgRqVIJI/AAAAAAAALuA/fsTAthZtgUoE-61eim_BOEh0okNuXbg2wCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnTnXHPMZ14/WOFDgRqVIJI/AAAAAAAALuA/fsTAthZtgUoE-61eim_BOEh0okNuXbg2wCLcB/s400/cattle-egret003.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCTJtclZEWk/WOFDgxKcPEI/AAAAAAAALuM/eGHW8aOwYI03ZdB6BfWXmog-zrLB3L-awCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCTJtclZEWk/WOFDgxKcPEI/AAAAAAAALuM/eGHW8aOwYI03ZdB6BfWXmog-zrLB3L-awCLcB/s400/cattle-egret004.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTF_mRbFgxs/WOFDhIVCgTI/AAAAAAAALuQ/52qkC7ZqnOU3bPghf2uq9IT9Vi5In3HcQCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTF_mRbFgxs/WOFDhIVCgTI/AAAAAAAALuQ/52qkC7ZqnOU3bPghf2uq9IT9Vi5In3HcQCLcB/s400/cattle-egret005.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBILcK2otrE/WOFDhayvfhI/AAAAAAAALuU/HapZVhrMNSgNUS9W9lS_gRjNI4hXQl4LQCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBILcK2otrE/WOFDhayvfhI/AAAAAAAALuU/HapZVhrMNSgNUS9W9lS_gRjNI4hXQl4LQCLcB/s640/cattle-egret006.jpg" width="523" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoI8sgORoOQ/WOFDhgkP9XI/AAAAAAAALuY/PvJ58z3FxU8UwEDFn8iDwqg3VA7w_M8JwCLcB/s1600/cattle-egret007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoI8sgORoOQ/WOFDhgkP9XI/AAAAAAAALuY/PvJ58z3FxU8UwEDFn8iDwqg3VA7w_M8JwCLcB/s400/cattle-egret007.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWoBaUtmwDM/WOFG7HfAIsI/AAAAAAAALvA/Qr8K-v2AWnMiBkmSppsrIbKKqItWNiz2wCLcB/s400/littleegret001.jpg" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little egrets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking through the reserve I wandered on tracks between reed-fringed peat cuttings, wet woodland (birch, willow and alder), dry woodland (oak), around a large damp meadow and onto a refurbished hide, about 1km from the site entrance. The ground flora is really starting to flush out now and the trees and shrubs were rich with singing warblers - blackcaps, chiff-chaffs and willow warblers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The usual marshland species, such as booming bitterns were heard and later on, across the road at RSPB Ham Wall, a marsh harrier was seen. Amongst the other early summer migrants was a large flock of sand martins - scooping up the huge mosquitoes I hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One highlight of spring which I always hope to see is the elegant dance of the great-crested grebe and I was lucky enough (or patient enough) to witness one this time - although as always it was quite far off:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uck_0Z7EtQ4/WOFDhyAqqMI/AAAAAAAALuc/LGPqAKtRUu8RMcNCa5K9zo44pYB4K7lFACLcB/s1600/gcg001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uck_0Z7EtQ4/WOFDhyAqqMI/AAAAAAAALuc/LGPqAKtRUu8RMcNCa5K9zo44pYB4K7lFACLcB/s400/gcg001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKNax40T2Zo/WOFDhyJYLjI/AAAAAAAALug/xLXpZRlik100d3UA0mXtarjL0ALwV58nwCLcB/s1600/gcg002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKNax40T2Zo/WOFDhyJYLjI/AAAAAAAALug/xLXpZRlik100d3UA0mXtarjL0ALwV58nwCLcB/s400/gcg002.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwV6PDlsU2k/WOFDiByOmhI/AAAAAAAALuk/k7A-3GtqCbsjzHQJoueN0GiPkW32wQnLACLcB/s1600/gcg003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwV6PDlsU2k/WOFDiByOmhI/AAAAAAAALuk/k7A-3GtqCbsjzHQJoueN0GiPkW32wQnLACLcB/s400/gcg003.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grebe at Ham Wall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A great white egret also lurked behind the reeds (so with herons that makes five such species in one day)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhk1ezjTfsM/WOFDirEoQkI/AAAAAAAALuo/4zO0GpPVxC4OpowiLZK08QKVfHqNZxhYwCLcB/s1600/greatwhiteegret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jhk1ezjTfsM/WOFDirEoQkI/AAAAAAAALuo/4zO0GpPVxC4OpowiLZK08QKVfHqNZxhYwCLcB/s400/greatwhiteegret.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWReQYa7tQI/WOFDi_vWsCI/AAAAAAAALus/HlhI7q7ZIvcrSqcBy48Y201eYiDgLEM1wCLcB/s1600/hh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWReQYa7tQI/WOFDi_vWsCI/AAAAAAAALus/HlhI7q7ZIvcrSqcBy48Y201eYiDgLEM1wCLcB/s400/hh.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marsh harrier</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A number of native birds also contributed to the delightful spring soundscape - including wrens, blackbirds, thrushes, lapwings, cetti's warblers and reed buntings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a good number of bees and butterflies including peacocks and brimstones.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InyxPwYKpw8/WOFG7E_8D_I/AAAAAAAALvE/o0ByeWtsJAgbcsnuk2C7nf7iJzlSbFrUgCLcB/s1600/peacock001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-InyxPwYKpw8/WOFG7E_8D_I/AAAAAAAALvE/o0ByeWtsJAgbcsnuk2C7nf7iJzlSbFrUgCLcB/s400/peacock001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOHLitdY-yU/WOFG6ym3oMI/AAAAAAAALu8/V4ZFDa0Pkq83AFyLV9z1q5t1QUPdKu0JACLcB/s1600/wren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SOHLitdY-yU/WOFG6ym3oMI/AAAAAAAALu8/V4ZFDa0Pkq83AFyLV9z1q5t1QUPdKu0JACLcB/s400/wren.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wren</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Capturing an image of a singing willow warbler or chiff-chaff in a pussy willow tree, against a bright blue sky remains an ambition - these are the latest attempts of a willow warbler:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAWCEb3JglI/WOFG7_lgZ7I/AAAAAAAALvI/Sz7M5OztyHEGeBEOoZG-ys_C_1zMH2VTwCLcB/s1600/ww001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAWCEb3JglI/WOFG7_lgZ7I/AAAAAAAALvI/Sz7M5OztyHEGeBEOoZG-ys_C_1zMH2VTwCLcB/s400/ww001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXHf6S1U0nk/WOFG79J0jJI/AAAAAAAALvM/7MrY9LOVrhcGtVlvmq_WD0JceFPGrHUhwCLcB/s1600/ww002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXHf6S1U0nk/WOFG79J0jJI/AAAAAAAALvM/7MrY9LOVrhcGtVlvmq_WD0JceFPGrHUhwCLcB/s400/ww002.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ov7QRXVnzw/WOFG8nL5bmI/AAAAAAAALvU/tusPQ7bWm3EEE1_sInoYZvBTQvsNthYdwCLcB/s1600/ww03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ov7QRXVnzw/WOFG8nL5bmI/AAAAAAAALvU/tusPQ7bWm3EEE1_sInoYZvBTQvsNthYdwCLcB/s400/ww03.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gu-PdtDndRE/WOFG8VkahWI/AAAAAAAALvQ/lYmVA-SaCrEQoWVXGEDp56nY5fCxZ3S1QCLcB/s1600/ww004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gu-PdtDndRE/WOFG8VkahWI/AAAAAAAALvQ/lYmVA-SaCrEQoWVXGEDp56nY5fCxZ3S1QCLcB/s400/ww004.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-70088135771080060542017-03-25T23:47:00.002+00:002017-03-25T23:47:19.434+00:00Amazing sunshine brings out the falsies<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AMAZING sunshine today and a walk through a local limestone valley was a Spring treat. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The small flock of redwings flew off in fright from the trees towering over the muddy footpath, but the chiff-chaff sang heartily from a willow branch. A brimstone butterfly shot by. The field edges were be-speckled with primrose flowers, scattered liberally like jewels in the grass.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One special treat was a single clump of false-oxlips - there were no cowslips flowering within sight and this bunch were quite a way from the the primroses, standing out proud over the close cropped grass - wonderful!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2E9sKGVX_Q/WNcAnTqQDGI/AAAAAAAALts/XkQoKAc9yWEi8NGtQ-3UysOtwTLJfGrmgCLcB/s1600/false-oxlips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2E9sKGVX_Q/WNcAnTqQDGI/AAAAAAAALts/XkQoKAc9yWEi8NGtQ-3UysOtwTLJfGrmgCLcB/s640/false-oxlips.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CsJWDjpZ3c/WNcAntBwwcI/AAAAAAAALt0/KeqLIIvmE2Iu2QT95TJV6X-H0JWd8cWLACEw/s1600/false-oxlips002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CsJWDjpZ3c/WNcAntBwwcI/AAAAAAAALt0/KeqLIIvmE2Iu2QT95TJV6X-H0JWd8cWLACEw/s640/false-oxlips002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-73152131247752952302017-03-14T19:33:00.000+00:002017-03-14T19:35:58.258+00:00Lenten lillies in a Gloucestershire woodland<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WE set out on Sunday to get some muddy exercise and visit a small colony of wild, native daffodils (</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Narcissus pseudonarcissus) </i>in the wonderful GWT Lower Woods, Gloucs. Amidst the tangle of hazel wands and bramble stems the delicate yellow trumpets were still damp from the night's shower. This is not a vast swath like in more northerly sites but were still wonderful to see.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXzGuHVnvPg/WMhE-6KWnYI/AAAAAAAALtA/gXjcb_Lxnzo_QCAeN7RNZrA2Bny038xeQCLcB/s1600/daff001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXzGuHVnvPg/WMhE-6KWnYI/AAAAAAAALtA/gXjcb_Lxnzo_QCAeN7RNZrA2Bny038xeQCLcB/s400/daff001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9Zy15yXt-E/WMhE-_mTxoI/AAAAAAAALtI/N5tqKA_pyWMzHiCJ-eXyahw1KZ9pIMPywCLcB/s1600/daff002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9Zy15yXt-E/WMhE-_mTxoI/AAAAAAAALtI/N5tqKA_pyWMzHiCJ-eXyahw1KZ9pIMPywCLcB/s400/daff002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVtIifwxeGc/WMhE-8bPhzI/AAAAAAAALtE/A1Ysa-BlDAYazDvRb8KJgNO_0-ho0uynACLcB/s1600/daff003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVtIifwxeGc/WMhE-8bPhzI/AAAAAAAALtE/A1Ysa-BlDAYazDvRb8KJgNO_0-ho0uynACLcB/s400/daff003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEJcEDJt96E/WMhFCRbQeaI/AAAAAAAALtM/YtpN9fEDL7QbEbWaGIBpHWTZ75JTGxHlwCLcB/s1600/daff004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEJcEDJt96E/WMhFCRbQeaI/AAAAAAAALtM/YtpN9fEDL7QbEbWaGIBpHWTZ75JTGxHlwCLcB/s400/daff004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ah5pIsHnVHg/WMhFCTAafuI/AAAAAAAALtQ/12XaRsScg50MTWESiuUxav0ebPYJj1NbQCLcB/s1600/daff005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ah5pIsHnVHg/WMhFCTAafuI/AAAAAAAALtQ/12XaRsScg50MTWESiuUxav0ebPYJj1NbQCLcB/s400/daff005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2gj9ExazVM/WMhFCpWqhuI/AAAAAAAALtU/gPefK78zpr80iaWBfbw227ymw93TkZnUACLcB/s1600/daff006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2gj9ExazVM/WMhFCpWqhuI/AAAAAAAALtU/gPefK78zpr80iaWBfbw227ymw93TkZnUACLcB/s640/daff006.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOfWU46m6mE/WMhFEENnhnI/AAAAAAAALtY/o3XilCVB6-kwsagWblo7NplugHpRtxAwQCLcB/s1600/daff007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GOfWU46m6mE/WMhFEENnhnI/AAAAAAAALtY/o3XilCVB6-kwsagWblo7NplugHpRtxAwQCLcB/s400/daff007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-22747123603361753572017-03-05T11:34:00.000+00:002017-03-05T11:39:46.462+00:00Winter-Spring cusp<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IT'S been a while since I blogged, but this winter has provided some wonderful wildlife experiences: its hard to beat the starling murmurations and the great flocks of sky-wielding ducks on the Somerset Levels. However, now that spring is here I can turn my attention to a wider variety of subjects. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6j3lRgyLEFk/WLv3AYV9pSI/AAAAAAAALsc/UkHDkVUkGy0568ryiot6dui762xsCZrCwCLcB/s1600/Tor001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6j3lRgyLEFk/WLv3AYV9pSI/AAAAAAAALsc/UkHDkVUkGy0568ryiot6dui762xsCZrCwCLcB/s400/Tor001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glastonbury Tor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAP7Qig23FQ/WLv3AB6k74I/AAAAAAAALsY/t5WiFvkEBScXdESQMSMinAI9GAyPe0EqgCLcB/s1600/tor002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAP7Qig23FQ/WLv3AB6k74I/AAAAAAAALsY/t5WiFvkEBScXdESQMSMinAI9GAyPe0EqgCLcB/s400/tor002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The herons in the heronry are busy with their little egret neighbours nesting in the tree tops, many resident birds are singing and the wintering flocks are breaking up. Pairing and carving out territories is certainly on the cards for many.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's not much greenery yet outside of the garden, but the pussy willow is just starting to break buds with soft downy catkins, and the hazel pollen has already floated off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the journey to the core of the Levels in a muddy farm field a small flock (9) of expectant probing little egrets pursued the uninterested cattle picking off worms and insects in their wake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6qY9qLR2_8/WLvy3M4IvjI/AAAAAAAALrc/SisDEbik5foNZzDrVEhuuVw13VnUyABewCLcB/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6qY9qLR2_8/WLvy3M4IvjI/AAAAAAAALrc/SisDEbik5foNZzDrVEhuuVw13VnUyABewCLcB/s400/IMG_3956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIoMZGvzqv8/WLvy5Y0kiXI/AAAAAAAALro/K2p88Xa7xWUFxvPR-eX_KwFJHDDlqAsWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PIoMZGvzqv8/WLvy5Y0kiXI/AAAAAAAALro/K2p88Xa7xWUFxvPR-eX_KwFJHDDlqAsWgCLcB/s400/IMG_3960.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to visit Canada Farm Lake, not having been there for months - I'd
faffed extensively and so took ages to walk from the car to the hide, but this meant
that I was in the right place to see a crane flying overhead - I heard
it trumpeting first (not sure to whom) - then it glided past:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnsZJ_jsHIs/WLvyBACAYdI/AAAAAAAALrQ/OAubv380wKo-rvCTWooLFA0YycV3mzLfgCLcB/s1600/crane002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnsZJ_jsHIs/WLvyBACAYdI/AAAAAAAALrQ/OAubv380wKo-rvCTWooLFA0YycV3mzLfgCLcB/s400/crane002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOGjxin0kUA/WLvyBAasXQI/AAAAAAAALrU/5PJwe5bO8Ss9xGITGkquSyuI2GtR5AppgCLcB/s1600/crane001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YOGjxin0kUA/WLvyBAasXQI/AAAAAAAALrU/5PJwe5bO8Ss9xGITGkquSyuI2GtR5AppgCLcB/s400/crane001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The track to the hide yielding a huge flock of small, twittering birds, including gold finches and siskins. From the hide I watched a pair of kingfishers going back and forth and a GC grebe catching and taking on a sizable fish. A peregrine and marsh harrier both scooted over the reeds to the far right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txoJqwd4a1A/WLvy6YVEdDI/AAAAAAAALr4/FGRoeYNUwOEefs75H_grQUvkWOxZHad2ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-txoJqwd4a1A/WLvy6YVEdDI/AAAAAAAALr4/FGRoeYNUwOEefs75H_grQUvkWOxZHad2ACLcB/s400/IMG_4067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKTrWPbj1zo/WLvy35zg_KI/AAAAAAAALrg/HSSk46NGlpg7QrBX-e8ADfHTyoxZVeCcwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKTrWPbj1zo/WLvy35zg_KI/AAAAAAAALrg/HSSk46NGlpg7QrBX-e8ADfHTyoxZVeCcwCLcB/s400/IMG_4027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTcvsfGrU74/WLvy5Yaq-wI/AAAAAAAALrk/qavom86NLPwgH-Gicw7RdaAxVkFLed23gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTcvsfGrU74/WLvy5Yaq-wI/AAAAAAAALrk/qavom86NLPwgH-Gicw7RdaAxVkFLed23gCLcB/s400/IMG_4041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGzTJtWi5CA/WLvy6IbsD3I/AAAAAAAALr0/N2AYnzKy91M7lhwys7Ms6zBPCi2yGmRnQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGzTJtWi5CA/WLvy6IbsD3I/AAAAAAAALr0/N2AYnzKy91M7lhwys7Ms6zBPCi2yGmRnQCLcB/s400/IMG_4048.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoMWOMfJ1Nc/WLvy5nr5w7I/AAAAAAAALrs/oTOva5ltgesko604yEOxZGA6vGFb47LhACLcB/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NoMWOMfJ1Nc/WLvy5nr5w7I/AAAAAAAALrs/oTOva5ltgesko604yEOxZGA6vGFb47LhACLcB/s400/IMG_4044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grebe: 1 - fish: 0</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n1e996j5PY/WLvzkcsSFII/AAAAAAAALsI/nBhosa0gwcwIqo6Udt2-sHItx7ORbMxwQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n1e996j5PY/WLvzkcsSFII/AAAAAAAALsI/nBhosa0gwcwIqo6Udt2-sHItx7ORbMxwQCLcB/s640/IMG_4057.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-op-TqKF9fJw/WLvy6CzHjDI/AAAAAAAALrw/lm9WXvkH2mo98dkscYpRvasxi2VTWXmSACLcB/s1600/IMG_4059b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-op-TqKF9fJw/WLvy6CzHjDI/AAAAAAAALrw/lm9WXvkH2mo98dkscYpRvasxi2VTWXmSACLcB/s400/IMG_4059b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Ham Wall RSPB Reserve the gusting wind dropped the temperature, but the bittern still showed nicely and the ground nesting herons were in full nest building mode.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sI0vpgHS_M/WLvy7LlJBSI/AAAAAAAALr8/hjlTrRXOhjcIiSs2I8Xz7al4ptrL5lY_ACLcB/s1600/IMG_4097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sI0vpgHS_M/WLvy7LlJBSI/AAAAAAAALr8/hjlTrRXOhjcIiSs2I8Xz7al4ptrL5lY_ACLcB/s400/IMG_4097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCRB-fwXgzQ/WLvy8nOkmyI/AAAAAAAALsE/0hovy1Fz4Y8rQFS6ZaiDL54kq5Eu3qm3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_4099.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HCRB-fwXgzQ/WLvy8nOkmyI/AAAAAAAALsE/0hovy1Fz4Y8rQFS6ZaiDL54kq5Eu3qm3QCLcB/s400/IMG_4099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9oobpgKuvg/WLv47fwO1BI/AAAAAAAALso/vEsaASizYrkGaC8_EP2rRSevDpIrDDj1gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9oobpgKuvg/WLv47fwO1BI/AAAAAAAALso/vEsaASizYrkGaC8_EP2rRSevDpIrDDj1gCLcB/s400/IMG_4116.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Little Grebe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring really is upon us.</span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-77728230884992198372016-11-06T22:03:00.004+00:002016-11-06T22:48:57.809+00:00Lower Woods in Autumn<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TODAY a walk round GWT's Lower Woods, to catch up on autumn colours and to get some fresh air was the plan, and so wrapped up and prepared to brace the mud we trooped off. As it happens the mud did not materialise and the streams in the woodland were barely flowing, I expect due to the recent dry weather.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Considering how dog friendly and beautiful this woodland is, there really were not many people there and although busier then ever (10 cars!) you rarely bump into anyone whilst walking around. Maybe they're all paying £9 each to get into Westonbirt*! (*<i>please note that Westonbirt is brilliant and does lovely refreshments</i>).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">At this time of year there's no amazing and distracting wildflowers carpeting the woodland floor, so your attention is drawn elsewhere; of course currently that's the wonderful yellows, browns and oranges of the leaves, but also the trees themselves. This is when the fallen leaves alert you to the species above: oak, ash and hazel dominate - but the bright yellow field maple leaves give away the species amongst its fellows - and then the leaves of the wild service tree lead your eye from your feet to a spindly bare branched (and slightly ugly) tree above. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">I also found holly, alder, wych elm and hornbeam (the later for the first time).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjAdC_494hk/WB-kKCIYPHI/AAAAAAAALqk/tUwheYolY6czwJM5-N9ABkkGvf6iGFpKQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3041b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KjAdC_494hk/WB-kKCIYPHI/AAAAAAAALqk/tUwheYolY6czwJM5-N9ABkkGvf6iGFpKQCLcB/s640/IMG_3041b.JPG" width="472" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMTTZo39P3I/WB-kDG2L56I/AAAAAAAALqY/Qn80iqTmuVoEJY_gRdGOp023QYj3vxCKQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMTTZo39P3I/WB-kDG2L56I/AAAAAAAALqY/Qn80iqTmuVoEJY_gRdGOp023QYj3vxCKQCLcB/s400/IMG_3052.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8uAJK81Pc/WB-kJsvb-5I/AAAAAAAALqc/Xn8IkQTFB00mDhtEjT7jclWub2ftQNjqACLcB/s1600/IMG_3053b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8uAJK81Pc/WB-kJsvb-5I/AAAAAAAALqc/Xn8IkQTFB00mDhtEjT7jclWub2ftQNjqACLcB/s400/IMG_3053b.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Ztm53Az3Y/WB-kJ3HYuJI/AAAAAAAALqg/NUHPtEKf-RkEfZ9dWlsQJsL71yZv7rvzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3060b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Ztm53Az3Y/WB-kJ3HYuJI/AAAAAAAALqg/NUHPtEKf-RkEfZ9dWlsQJsL71yZv7rvzQCLcB/s400/IMG_3060b.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial";">There were not many large fungi evident, but this unusual specimen caught my eye; I think that its a grey coral fungus.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii60plrdn6I/WB-kc9Xs2PI/AAAAAAAALqo/PWRHd4oXdvsvae9CgQVYid4reJAZfgJlgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3078b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii60plrdn6I/WB-kc9Xs2PI/AAAAAAAALqo/PWRHd4oXdvsvae9CgQVYid4reJAZfgJlgCLcB/s640/IMG_3078b.JPG" width="473" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-16251186729549877732016-11-06T21:12:00.004+00:002016-11-06T22:47:03.908+00:00Back to the Levels<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LAST weekend the weather was balmy, calm and kind - and now look at it! Anyway, that gave me a chance to hunt down a special bird, reportedly frequently showing on SWT Westhay Nature Reserve: the bearded tit (or "reedling" as its now known).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is quite an elusive quarry and although the calls were frequent and near, only once did the specular male show himself - but boy it was worth the wait. Apparently its easier if you visit early in the morning - but really...?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzPMj21DCvM/WB92aFOk7OI/AAAAAAAALn8/E4UumbijCEMw7zHceMqLXeWNd-eFVc4hQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2785c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzPMj21DCvM/WB92aFOk7OI/AAAAAAAALn8/E4UumbijCEMw7zHceMqLXeWNd-eFVc4hQCLcB/s400/IMG_2785c.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZKYTcag_Z0/WB92g4jbq3I/AAAAAAAALoQ/Q5bhe-EXCdMBqhIXsFBearQneqae84b0wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZKYTcag_Z0/WB92g4jbq3I/AAAAAAAALoQ/Q5bhe-EXCdMBqhIXsFBearQneqae84b0wCLcB/s400/IMG_2786.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwE8XRwodVw/WB92bSXKa1I/AAAAAAAALoE/yHI1GHtrMTojfnfCm8uIpwAVB-Hq3KkmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2786b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwE8XRwodVw/WB92bSXKa1I/AAAAAAAALoE/yHI1GHtrMTojfnfCm8uIpwAVB-Hq3KkmgCLcB/s640/IMG_2786b.JPG" width="436" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRnBJo5iF3o/WB92ik0IlZI/AAAAAAAALoU/J6ZVfNqiWBE_36dQMTLqCeera4aUNvaowCLcB/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRnBJo5iF3o/WB92ik0IlZI/AAAAAAAALoU/J6ZVfNqiWBE_36dQMTLqCeera4aUNvaowCLcB/s400/IMG_2787.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0wQm3zCNhQ/WB92ftk6dAI/AAAAAAAALoM/anniEUiSYzEYX73FYrvhcg1N-Fm5DJy1gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2787b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0wQm3zCNhQ/WB92ftk6dAI/AAAAAAAALoM/anniEUiSYzEYX73FYrvhcg1N-Fm5DJy1gCLcB/s640/IMG_2787b.JPG" width="436" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvNiw6I5Rck/WB92iwQN7TI/AAAAAAAALoY/_FpSXOsCHAAw4xQkBdokrAxdJS99ragJACLcB/s1600/IMG_2794b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvNiw6I5Rck/WB92iwQN7TI/AAAAAAAALoY/_FpSXOsCHAAw4xQkBdokrAxdJS99ragJACLcB/s400/IMG_2794b.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9rMHlFHbJo/WB92o7F1YeI/AAAAAAAALos/HvgL9Y_m6XATWgxuj8aIwDgz_GBxDhUrwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9rMHlFHbJo/WB92o7F1YeI/AAAAAAAALos/HvgL9Y_m6XATWgxuj8aIwDgz_GBxDhUrwCLcB/s320/IMG_2795.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dktylHiMcG0/WB92jw0-kvI/AAAAAAAALoc/w_18o0goh14TPlM4ALX3gdmGzvo0IlwMACLcB/s1600/IMG_2795b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dktylHiMcG0/WB92jw0-kvI/AAAAAAAALoc/w_18o0goh14TPlM4ALX3gdmGzvo0IlwMACLcB/s640/IMG_2795b.JPG" width="420" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Locally common, and in this case very tame, this male reed bunting worked hard to extract the reed seeds, which I expect are from now on are ripening worth the effort. His black face is mottled with the brown of winter plumage, but with the white and chestnut shades he is certainly a handsome chap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NE42aBkVkxc/WB92aPjskuI/AAAAAAAALoA/qTIuofb7vr0Y2rWGpy7Jgl_bSeIllWVAwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NE42aBkVkxc/WB92aPjskuI/AAAAAAAALoA/qTIuofb7vr0Y2rWGpy7Jgl_bSeIllWVAwCLcB/s400/IMG_2774.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vT27s9V2030/WB92X0-xKaI/AAAAAAAALn4/dil62F9plzU7mw1r0-zLLzv_IJwm2nKbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2779b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vT27s9V2030/WB92X0-xKaI/AAAAAAAALn4/dil62F9plzU7mw1r0-zLLzv_IJwm2nKbgCLcB/s400/IMG_2779b.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moving up the road to Ham Wall RSPB reserve the now familiar great white egrets were feeding in the shallow waters between the large areas of reed. The fields in the area also host flocks of little egrets and, although I was not able to find it, a cattle egret at the moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like so many herons and egrets, the Levels seem to suit them well and they are thriving here. It is strange that such large exotic birds seemingly have been able to burst onto the scene - but maybe the lack of persecution has at last started to work in these species' favour, and with wetlands being managed to meet their needs its a positive picture. I hope that soon the cranes will be a common sight...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpcxPAncf7I/WB92ok3-fWI/AAAAAAAALoo/I_KerOJ4xbw7iveGeE8IcCqx5O8AE8qhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpcxPAncf7I/WB92ok3-fWI/AAAAAAAALoo/I_KerOJ4xbw7iveGeE8IcCqx5O8AE8qhgCLcB/s400/IMG_2829.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYG68ZbEkrM/WB92l98rrmI/AAAAAAAALok/z_tlZZCVuvMg9sO5VEaVpN1zbfV3B1mGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2829b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYG68ZbEkrM/WB92l98rrmI/AAAAAAAALok/z_tlZZCVuvMg9sO5VEaVpN1zbfV3B1mGwCLcB/s400/IMG_2829b.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KecZxfPG4gI/WB92ph3WRbI/AAAAAAAALow/fJ7HYIIN5e4Tzis1kzwStm_Qgj3R6m-fQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KecZxfPG4gI/WB92ph3WRbI/AAAAAAAALow/fJ7HYIIN5e4Tzis1kzwStm_Qgj3R6m-fQCLcB/s400/IMG_2832.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmv6mNTESrw/WB92s-jppaI/AAAAAAAALo4/99zHkwFGaSQF9NXzHeffkAYoTSAkyobdwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmv6mNTESrw/WB92s-jppaI/AAAAAAAALo4/99zHkwFGaSQF9NXzHeffkAYoTSAkyobdwCLcB/s400/IMG_2834.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0omyA-3S-S8/WB92p2ke0QI/AAAAAAAALo0/EHUGo3eeFXsP9D4RkepeIAJnJlJB2im4QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2834c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0omyA-3S-S8/WB92p2ke0QI/AAAAAAAALo0/EHUGo3eeFXsP9D4RkepeIAJnJlJB2im4QCLcB/s400/IMG_2834c.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JHnscrCejo/WB92tY8Vo1I/AAAAAAAALo8/si2FItYdhYImrJvtIV2m37rfWS-vo8hUgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JHnscrCejo/WB92tY8Vo1I/AAAAAAAALo8/si2FItYdhYImrJvtIV2m37rfWS-vo8hUgCLcB/s400/IMG_2843.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was quite surprised to see that where the reed bunting was there the reeds seem to host this fungus - it is so common I did suspect that it was not a problem as the reeds growth seems strong:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yvwM0gtBFw/WB-deqGLtkI/AAAAAAAALpQ/u6z0NNzj76EW0sCywydW19CFvd_VQy8PACLcB/s1600/IMG_2928b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9yvwM0gtBFw/WB-deqGLtkI/AAAAAAAALpQ/u6z0NNzj76EW0sCywydW19CFvd_VQy8PACLcB/s640/IMG_2928b.JPG" width="446" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The extended warm weather meant that there was a good number of dragonflies still on the wing - I suspect that one week on this is no longer the case.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s81QOvMm8Jk/WB-dfhYjWNI/AAAAAAAALpU/RjMIyLdpeFInZvgdviJdg0UXOET6vUDiQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2942b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s81QOvMm8Jk/WB-dfhYjWNI/AAAAAAAALpU/RjMIyLdpeFInZvgdviJdg0UXOET6vUDiQCLcB/s640/IMG_2942b.JPG" width="484" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On Ham Wall the starlings are now amassing, and sitting in a small hide directly in their flight path was an mazing experience. They rushed at me at eye level, or just above, then altered path at the last moment with a whoosh over head, an excited chatter and multiple plops! There were thousands and thousands of them and they stream in endlessly to rush down to an area where the noise is almost deafening. They must go quiet eventually, but I've never stayed long enough to witness that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91dCrjj58Jc/WB-dpvlgteI/AAAAAAAALpc/VMqDhf-G4bwK8cUfeiQwwhwwLAWf1GlpACLcB/s1600/IMG_3021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-91dCrjj58Jc/WB-dpvlgteI/AAAAAAAALpc/VMqDhf-G4bwK8cUfeiQwwhwwLAWf1GlpACLcB/s400/IMG_3021.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7Amx618i9A/WB-dn7YEjjI/AAAAAAAALpY/774_RV9xIos2F4d3w9qZGTcVuK02GSapQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3034b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7Amx618i9A/WB-dn7YEjjI/AAAAAAAALpY/774_RV9xIos2F4d3w9qZGTcVuK02GSapQCLcB/s400/IMG_3034b.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-16229872717680948732016-07-02T20:17:00.001+01:002016-07-02T20:17:11.013+01:00From birds to butterflies<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AS the seasons roll on, and in spite of the poor weather, the natural cycle of rearing young and insect emergence is unstoppable. At this time of the year butterflies and dragonfly spotting takes over from the birding side of nature watching as the birds fall quiet. They're still there, but busy themselves with feeding their young and keeping a low profile in many cases. But these alternative quarries are just as exciting and often as spectacular. The rare white admiral butterfly provides a tropical feel to rides lined with honeysuckle and bramble, as it haughtily floats between canopy and under-story, whilst the prolific meadows team with brown butterflies, and darting damselflies and dragonflies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wi6E0x7PK50/V3gSciaKDcI/AAAAAAAALl4/v-GQQodMuz8rGND1MBrndIPnCigxFgopACLcB/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wi6E0x7PK50/V3gSciaKDcI/AAAAAAAALl4/v-GQQodMuz8rGND1MBrndIPnCigxFgopACLcB/s400/IMG_1682.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ringlets squabbling in midair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fjlHw06V34/V3gScjCMa-I/AAAAAAAALl8/dAxcrj-syVI83JtY9oRLkB1S91Fu6vPgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1698b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fjlHw06V34/V3gScjCMa-I/AAAAAAAALl8/dAxcrj-syVI83JtY9oRLkB1S91Fu6vPgwCLcB/s400/IMG_1698b.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Admiral</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVUiiDOmonA/V3gSczqWN2I/AAAAAAAALmA/9KaxNTREJOMGB-O3I7SD8GRH3S17DkDJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1729b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VVUiiDOmonA/V3gSczqWN2I/AAAAAAAALmA/9KaxNTREJOMGB-O3I7SD8GRH3S17DkDJwCLcB/s400/IMG_1729b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-465KsSzDLvY/V3gSdURE_FI/AAAAAAAALmE/95Ql2Lv1sqIX2xcN4eNmtW9EYcdlIAU3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1730b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-465KsSzDLvY/V3gSdURE_FI/AAAAAAAALmE/95Ql2Lv1sqIX2xcN4eNmtW9EYcdlIAU3ACLcB/s400/IMG_1730b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-066lioLL7ME/V3gSdlPRjbI/AAAAAAAALmI/F3fzxowq29QadZfFzkHd1hJ535M8grZNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1744b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-066lioLL7ME/V3gSdlPRjbI/AAAAAAAALmI/F3fzxowq29QadZfFzkHd1hJ535M8grZNQCLcB/s400/IMG_1744b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VIF479oLZA/V3gSdjT3YyI/AAAAAAAALmM/3yM4I-5f_8ckHjrNbKP3v7vjBoLJo2uhwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1749b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VIF479oLZA/V3gSdjT3YyI/AAAAAAAALmM/3yM4I-5f_8ckHjrNbKP3v7vjBoLJo2uhwCLcB/s400/IMG_1749b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuoH8mPQ8Z4/V3gSd6HK1sI/AAAAAAAALmQ/7nHWi0N_ADQ2ZJvLFvitSIIfQessH3uIQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1754b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuoH8mPQ8Z4/V3gSd6HK1sI/AAAAAAAALmQ/7nHWi0N_ADQ2ZJvLFvitSIIfQessH3uIQCLcB/s400/IMG_1754b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-su2kL4P0ZpQ/V3gSeG0wRrI/AAAAAAAALmU/LJnapYcwIy4HUxgr5g93nCh0cpou-wONwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1777b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-su2kL4P0ZpQ/V3gSeG0wRrI/AAAAAAAALmU/LJnapYcwIy4HUxgr5g93nCh0cpou-wONwCLcB/s400/IMG_1777b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4-_7dBy1tU/V3gSeMklT4I/AAAAAAAALmc/wFSGuVRiaXIjKhU0B1wLWzcPbcy0G7JVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1792b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4-_7dBy1tU/V3gSeMklT4I/AAAAAAAALmc/wFSGuVRiaXIjKhU0B1wLWzcPbcy0G7JVQCLcB/s400/IMG_1792b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YcVM0yR3LM/V3gSeUQov4I/AAAAAAAALmY/4Y848iu6MvUnOmvhVD-IGXg24ZTEpKS3QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1809b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YcVM0yR3LM/V3gSeUQov4I/AAAAAAAALmY/4Y848iu6MvUnOmvhVD-IGXg24ZTEpKS3QCLcB/s400/IMG_1809b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3 marsh harriers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-439480452124904872016-06-05T08:18:00.003+01:002016-06-05T08:18:57.379+01:00Late spring in Somerset<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">THE Levels were heaving with life yesterday; everywhere you looked there were birds searching for food for their young, flitting amongst the lush foliage heavy with blossom or amidst the emerging greenery of the reed beds. Warblers sang heartily from every perch and insects filled the air - we were even dive bombed by a great diving beetle a one point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">However photographing these birds was not so easy - here are the record shots mainly from the day. The lovely photo of the cuckoo nearby got away as I had the wrong settings on my camera - ugh!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you to the birder on SWT Westhay who alerted me to the male bearded tit before I managed to spot it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvWLcmrB6l0/V1PQMM56RsI/AAAAAAAALkw/MTHq5pH6vKcoAvKrFQ6dFrHYhPzSNvR1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1461b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvWLcmrB6l0/V1PQMM56RsI/AAAAAAAALkw/MTHq5pH6vKcoAvKrFQ6dFrHYhPzSNvR1ACLcB/s640/IMG_1461b.JPG" width="449" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bearded tit (reedling)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGEfsFG4_MM/V1PQKF4Qn_I/AAAAAAAALkg/OmFEEDb-y2wd3F7m0q7fw2SKZ16H1inOACLcB/s1600/IMG_1456b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGEfsFG4_MM/V1PQKF4Qn_I/AAAAAAAALkg/OmFEEDb-y2wd3F7m0q7fw2SKZ16H1inOACLcB/s400/IMG_1456b.JPG" width="291" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7JhGDWCtH0/V1PQLJX1a9I/AAAAAAAALko/1ejAuGWYIQcHRcd1VjN_DszUH93QHtDTQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1460b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7JhGDWCtH0/V1PQLJX1a9I/AAAAAAAALko/1ejAuGWYIQcHRcd1VjN_DszUH93QHtDTQCLcB/s400/IMG_1460b.JPG" width="301" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reed buntings calling from willow branches helped create a unique wetland soundscape. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UE7L7jhb3R4/V1PQN1oEg4I/AAAAAAAALk4/f0FMvokidB8Um_RwTt_eAHtk6QDpoHjWACLcB/s1600/IMG_1476b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UE7L7jhb3R4/V1PQN1oEg4I/AAAAAAAALk4/f0FMvokidB8Um_RwTt_eAHtk6QDpoHjWACLcB/s640/IMG_1476b.JPG" width="470" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBJkQQUTF0E/V1PQPCPH_bI/AAAAAAAALlA/ywkRjeV1kjY3IsO_uV1jcQfueUsb364ggCLcB/s1600/IMG_1469b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBJkQQUTF0E/V1PQPCPH_bI/AAAAAAAALlA/ywkRjeV1kjY3IsO_uV1jcQfueUsb364ggCLcB/s400/IMG_1469b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We headed for a second reserve but pulled over as the area felt perfect for cuckoos and my intuition was rewarded almost immediately with this calling male. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4G6PkW3IRY/V1PQR2v_CjI/AAAAAAAALlI/KoCNAjBlMwQ7PQ_7-ews12FKlTJ5gvaswCLcB/s1600/IMG_1494b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4G6PkW3IRY/V1PQR2v_CjI/AAAAAAAALlI/KoCNAjBlMwQ7PQ_7-ews12FKlTJ5gvaswCLcB/s400/IMG_1494b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdMF2p6UHl4/V1PQTPGVjpI/AAAAAAAALlM/RLppV_VXngk6UR-CAMAu79Ce71zEtLcigCLcB/s1600/IMG_1495b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdMF2p6UHl4/V1PQTPGVjpI/AAAAAAAALlM/RLppV_VXngk6UR-CAMAu79Ce71zEtLcigCLcB/s400/IMG_1495b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A quick visit to RSPB Ham Wall, yielded this bittern amongst other delights, although I did not realise that there was a rare heron to be seen - oh well maybe Ill just have to go back!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRL8338Pd9w/V1PQUTdDvzI/AAAAAAAALlU/F-S6zGVRB5ML1Zec4DcL92XeMoq6CvbbACLcB/s1600/IMG_1504b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRL8338Pd9w/V1PQUTdDvzI/AAAAAAAALlU/F-S6zGVRB5ML1Zec4DcL92XeMoq6CvbbACLcB/s400/IMG_1504b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-55522015901281805582016-06-03T23:39:00.000+01:002016-06-03T23:39:19.688+01:00Smooth newts from our garden pond<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For Dad: 09/08/26-27/05/16 - who supported my love of natural history from when I was young to the present day. Thanks Dad. RIP.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsRE1R9Ybio/V1IF3VQRizI/AAAAAAAALj8/UBW9afilJawnX0lIKONO4BFSoFbvIFw6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1326b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsRE1R9Ybio/V1IF3VQRizI/AAAAAAAALj8/UBW9afilJawnX0lIKONO4BFSoFbvIFw6ACLcB/s400/IMG_1326b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4iFG44Cfvo/V1IF3TgdNdI/AAAAAAAALkA/rGPORsb9_skL2I4b-AQ6RRme7vkHtM3mgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1331b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4iFG44Cfvo/V1IF3TgdNdI/AAAAAAAALkA/rGPORsb9_skL2I4b-AQ6RRme7vkHtM3mgCLcB/s640/IMG_1331b.JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzcedej_DWo/V1IF3hppo4I/AAAAAAAALkE/LSoJRPOCLuwxMkyMa4Io7f9XuDioZQkaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1413b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzcedej_DWo/V1IF3hppo4I/AAAAAAAALkE/LSoJRPOCLuwxMkyMa4Io7f9XuDioZQkaQCLcB/s400/IMG_1413b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5e5-o0rFzac/V1IF3Eo5-II/AAAAAAAALj4/AVsQZLjJELA2JOdZckOS7-CB-aiot4QBACLcB/s1600/IMG_1323b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5e5-o0rFzac/V1IF3Eo5-II/AAAAAAAALj4/AVsQZLjJELA2JOdZckOS7-CB-aiot4QBACLcB/s400/IMG_1323b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-44699078103639447352016-05-07T17:02:00.001+01:002016-05-07T17:02:26.291+01:00Bunking off work...<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A rare day off and I took advantage of the nice weather by going to the Somerset Levels (no surprises there then!). I was really hoping to see otters but no luck this time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The summer warblers were on full song although I'm yet to hear a grasshopper warbler. There were a number of hobbies chasing the newly emerged dragonflies. The bitterns were generally spending the day stuck to one spot with the exception of one individual who flew so close it felt like it was coming into the hide; no one was prepared with their camera so we all just have to remember the moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSkeKL_bWw8/Vy3c5wHvAGI/AAAAAAAALiY/G24Zi2hKSHopXjfg6D-CEXKBSqILaKezgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0950b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSkeKL_bWw8/Vy3c5wHvAGI/AAAAAAAALiY/G24Zi2hKSHopXjfg6D-CEXKBSqILaKezgCLcB/s640/IMG_0950b.JPG" width="486" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Willow\Reed?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSIqDTItS6c/Vy4MuKdpcAI/AAAAAAAALjY/3Jn1LORGOfg3TwknJWt0RXfZ_XhHxOL8QCLcB/s1600/IMG_0958b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSIqDTItS6c/Vy4MuKdpcAI/AAAAAAAALjY/3Jn1LORGOfg3TwknJWt0RXfZ_XhHxOL8QCLcB/s400/IMG_0958b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An incredible noise from the reeds suggested a waterrail, but I noticed this nest with two red headed chicks and realised that it was just a moorhen mother trying to distract me...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lza2FZDYDko/Vy3c6LXGGzI/AAAAAAAALic/MlwE9LdiHh0gZ-DlTTtF39G6w9224I3nACLcB/s1600/IMG_0979b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lza2FZDYDko/Vy3c6LXGGzI/AAAAAAAALic/MlwE9LdiHh0gZ-DlTTtF39G6w9224I3nACLcB/s400/IMG_0979b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This jay was up to no good! I saw two cuckoos from the same spot and later had a reasonable view of a calling male in the distance. One of the first pair made that strange bubbling call. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbLEelRcS78/Vy3c5vSeKjI/AAAAAAAALiU/SfuPZXXeBuU0qfHejtH4JrzxGSbNmmbGACLcB/s1600/IMG_0980b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbLEelRcS78/Vy3c5vSeKjI/AAAAAAAALiU/SfuPZXXeBuU0qfHejtH4JrzxGSbNmmbGACLcB/s400/IMG_0980b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There were a few common butterflies around - this I suspect is a small white. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBchjsR-9_M/Vy3c6dE9iNI/AAAAAAAALig/k2vKaMD9MO0fR1rAnMBtXGORnsOXEVsogCLcB/s1600/IMG_0986b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBchjsR-9_M/Vy3c6dE9iNI/AAAAAAAALig/k2vKaMD9MO0fR1rAnMBtXGORnsOXEVsogCLcB/s400/IMG_0986b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The levels would not be complete without regular sightings of marsh harriers, such as this one below which gave us quite good views. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2dTb0Lfwfs/Vy3c6gcHbXI/AAAAAAAALik/AQCFKInsmTI-TRHKET6MNWqiOfH-nQ5FQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1029b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2dTb0Lfwfs/Vy3c6gcHbXI/AAAAAAAALik/AQCFKInsmTI-TRHKET6MNWqiOfH-nQ5FQCLcB/s400/IMG_1029b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHwhE9mmycU/Vy4Mu1QrN4I/AAAAAAAALjk/--tjOjT9vvAUAnyMnZ7r6Vfa2lq5HElcQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1028b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHwhE9mmycU/Vy4Mu1QrN4I/AAAAAAAALjk/--tjOjT9vvAUAnyMnZ7r6Vfa2lq5HElcQCLcB/s400/IMG_1028b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5yQQdiVB74/Vy3c6n4nLuI/AAAAAAAALio/UtGHxbdNGSMeUC9-5ksC7CrMaBmhzGR9gCLcB/s1600/IMG_1038b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5yQQdiVB74/Vy3c6n4nLuI/AAAAAAAALio/UtGHxbdNGSMeUC9-5ksC7CrMaBmhzGR9gCLcB/s640/IMG_1038b.JPG" width="482" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another target species for this trip was a white-throat - I've still not managed to get the shot that I want however but I'll keep trying...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc_QUupfB9Q/Vy3dxfKnj7I/AAAAAAAALjA/9q0q40imw6wiZdFkBJCpvPVjTZoGh6W9QCLcB/s1600/IMG_1101b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc_QUupfB9Q/Vy3dxfKnj7I/AAAAAAAALjA/9q0q40imw6wiZdFkBJCpvPVjTZoGh6W9QCLcB/s400/IMG_1101b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Js-bR7ooxQ/Vy3c76oyL3I/AAAAAAAALi4/qLY-FY-UBZULBsAjQivneTra-LdN1WoPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1103b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Js-bR7ooxQ/Vy3c76oyL3I/AAAAAAAALi4/qLY-FY-UBZULBsAjQivneTra-LdN1WoPwCLcB/s400/IMG_1103b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H48F-bYIk5s/Vy4MuSeNPqI/AAAAAAAALjg/v7KMT7ZpyGgDsEkPYBZwObaLHGsHpOKMgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1002b.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H48F-bYIk5s/Vy4MuSeNPqI/AAAAAAAALjg/v7KMT7ZpyGgDsEkPYBZwObaLHGsHpOKMgCLcB/s400/IMG_1002b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OC7_SRxmqic/Vy4MuSIKrJI/AAAAAAAALjc/0UFxA8c8DhsDfsCyEPp7FEXd7JRtBchywCLcB/s1600/IMG_1007b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OC7_SRxmqic/Vy4MuSIKrJI/AAAAAAAALjc/0UFxA8c8DhsDfsCyEPp7FEXd7JRtBchywCLcB/s640/IMG_1007b.JPG" width="446" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just taken off...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The grebes and herons were very active, with a couple of heron nests easily viewed from one of the hides. The heron chick was huge and extremely persistent.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36Gyk1-JnVk/Vy3c7qCKNWI/AAAAAAAALi0/Qj02qBMFssUV86rOk03fMV-0VrwIWlyugCLcB/s1600/IMG_1069b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36Gyk1-JnVk/Vy3c7qCKNWI/AAAAAAAALi0/Qj02qBMFssUV86rOk03fMV-0VrwIWlyugCLcB/s400/IMG_1069b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhYwxF0-nuo/Vy3c7VL_KQI/AAAAAAAALiw/pIe-FJkkSwYBmU3qR5fUDWjjqE6bUXV0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_1062b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bhYwxF0-nuo/Vy3c7VL_KQI/AAAAAAAALiw/pIe-FJkkSwYBmU3qR5fUDWjjqE6bUXV0ACLcB/s640/IMG_1062b.JPG" width="472" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TW2HFSr8SJ8/Vy3c7CfBgiI/AAAAAAAALis/yA5doJmFTt0w6RGBye-97aVYNdE547zgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1046b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TW2HFSr8SJ8/Vy3c7CfBgiI/AAAAAAAALis/yA5doJmFTt0w6RGBye-97aVYNdE547zgwCLcB/s400/IMG_1046b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfIJjF-Fh_g/Vy4MtvU_OoI/AAAAAAAALjQ/wyak6sweCLEjwtBX4pUjEMexj2QyXzowQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0935b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfIJjF-Fh_g/Vy4MtvU_OoI/AAAAAAAALjQ/wyak6sweCLEjwtBX4pUjEMexj2QyXzowQCLcB/s400/IMG_0935b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reed bunting male</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZbL8ONtzDI/Vy4MuI62lZI/AAAAAAAALjU/B5igES2RaN4Kfv5n4FDqucw7k_Wv1AXbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0941b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iZbL8ONtzDI/Vy4MuI62lZI/AAAAAAAALjU/B5igES2RaN4Kfv5n4FDqucw7k_Wv1AXbgCLcB/s640/IMG_0941b.JPG" width="498" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As mentioned the bitterns were elusive, although booming regularly; this is the only shot I managed to get - well at least it proves that they are there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KX38rSCULAc/Vy4MvPhxPNI/AAAAAAAALjo/n0XTJUK_JdkCXzR80c9KupojvG3MnziMwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1104b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KX38rSCULAc/Vy4MvPhxPNI/AAAAAAAALjo/n0XTJUK_JdkCXzR80c9KupojvG3MnziMwCLcB/s400/IMG_1104b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Isn't spring great!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-83705011668558295652016-05-02T20:10:00.001+01:002016-05-02T22:04:22.165+01:00Ancient woodland wonders<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">WE paid a visit to our favorite wood today, Lower Woods in South Gloucestershire, and following a huge downpour we walked for a few hours to see the wonderful wild flowers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This large woodland supports a host of ancient woodland plant species, as well as nightingales and dormice:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgfpU2wcikE/VyejW_cbnLI/AAAAAAAALhQ/V0fk1WEgUNAu0UePcEY8J7pEkb327t2rgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0774b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgfpU2wcikE/VyejW_cbnLI/AAAAAAAALhQ/V0fk1WEgUNAu0UePcEY8J7pEkb327t2rgCLcB/s400/IMG_0774b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaaSIavgW1M/VyejXvmYj8I/AAAAAAAALhY/dlt37yB5cdgK9EUzFCNT9DDeemeIerUhwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0788b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TaaSIavgW1M/VyejXvmYj8I/AAAAAAAALhY/dlt37yB5cdgK9EUzFCNT9DDeemeIerUhwCLcB/s640/IMG_0788b.JPG" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5OIitYnTds/VyejXe9XgmI/AAAAAAAALhU/MLePvSwSe0oNF4uOZ2mLfHEYFMurCEGdwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0802b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5OIitYnTds/VyejXe9XgmI/AAAAAAAALhU/MLePvSwSe0oNF4uOZ2mLfHEYFMurCEGdwCLcB/s640/IMG_0802b.JPG" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuPASFUk-9c/VyejYRmtcfI/AAAAAAAALhc/B4Q80qD790wBiWBOvFgGgGwQVpVExvLUQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0829b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fuPASFUk-9c/VyejYRmtcfI/AAAAAAAALhc/B4Q80qD790wBiWBOvFgGgGwQVpVExvLUQCLcB/s640/IMG_0829b.JPG" width="472" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">False oxslip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MnFlONmkLmo/VyejY1-3afI/AAAAAAAALhg/anEQ3uW-ZhUpzOPj2NSlmNwhNZdSy1cIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0834b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MnFlONmkLmo/VyejY1-3afI/AAAAAAAALhg/anEQ3uW-ZhUpzOPj2NSlmNwhNZdSy1cIwCLcB/s640/IMG_0834b.JPG" width="478" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ramsons</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru2KvjmC1IU/VyejZAoV8WI/AAAAAAAALhk/MiEHiLnU0XATw4l9Mj9tSceiovFzL6HWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0839b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru2KvjmC1IU/VyejZAoV8WI/AAAAAAAALhk/MiEHiLnU0XATw4l9Mj9tSceiovFzL6HWQCLcB/s640/IMG_0839b.JPG" width="456" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wood spurge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDvDFbn46DA/VyejZbhF_fI/AAAAAAAALho/UeLcPcURncc6yfpBrKwPTQ_-R7P2tPgDwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0843b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TDvDFbn46DA/VyejZbhF_fI/AAAAAAAALho/UeLcPcURncc6yfpBrKwPTQ_-R7P2tPgDwCLcB/s400/IMG_0843b.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Primrose</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKpLMIfZHKg/VyejZvSX5XI/AAAAAAAALhs/T63RgU-6LXUVTA5Wn3IUH7ZmOZSNxCoEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0866b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKpLMIfZHKg/VyejZvSX5XI/AAAAAAAALhs/T63RgU-6LXUVTA5Wn3IUH7ZmOZSNxCoEgCLcB/s640/IMG_0866b.JPG" width="478" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sanicle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoRQM-Q5AOw/VyejZyfeUXI/AAAAAAAALhw/TnBvwC0fv6cetDPLsrpJEd65w2SsI--JACLcB/s1600/IMG_0868b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yoRQM-Q5AOw/VyejZyfeUXI/AAAAAAAALhw/TnBvwC0fv6cetDPLsrpJEd65w2SsI--JACLcB/s640/IMG_0868b.JPG" width="476" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wild strawberry and violet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6eakN19j4M/VyejaGWbW-I/AAAAAAAALh0/faJytK3BIAMbbhsEx4UjEyVw0cUITrhQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0894b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d6eakN19j4M/VyejaGWbW-I/AAAAAAAALh0/faJytK3BIAMbbhsEx4UjEyVw0cUITrhQgCLcB/s640/IMG_0894b.JPG" width="478" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early purple orchid</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7AwWBfppY8/VyelduHDFZI/AAAAAAAALiE/_AE-duprNWsuZAI4SzPpTPh53pZugX4ZQCLcB/s1600/IMG_b0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7AwWBfppY8/VyelduHDFZI/AAAAAAAALiE/_AE-duprNWsuZAI4SzPpTPh53pZugX4ZQCLcB/s400/IMG_b0919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6274857151270340039.post-24490100004742984532016-04-30T10:55:00.002+01:002016-04-30T10:59:30.443+01:00Durlston Country Park, Swanage and RSPB Arne<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'M not sure what plant twitching is called, but yesterday we took a longish drive to hunt out early spider orchids on the coast near Swanage at <a href="http://www.durlston.co.uk/durlston-today.aspx" target="_blank">Durlston Country Park</a> managed by Dorset CC. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This wonderful reserve is made up of sea cliffs, rough grassland and meadows, and with views over to the Isle of Wight, on a sunny day there can be no place better. We were slightly challenged by a cold, penetrating wind which reduced the bird song, but did not affect the orchids of course.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking out to sea, a peregrine had a great view of the raft of bathing
guillemots<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3h7Zlf_8Mk/VyR6ROw9VKI/AAAAAAAALeg/KzwLBFCXwzEZy7bnjPyh-cBV748r0uh-gCLcB/s1600/peregrin001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3h7Zlf_8Mk/VyR6ROw9VKI/AAAAAAAALeg/KzwLBFCXwzEZy7bnjPyh-cBV748r0uh-gCLcB/s400/peregrin001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv2mbgWBcZw/VyR6hhWeGPI/AAAAAAAALfA/OtYGQFLfs0c2EBQeWWZpi1FHx3Ku-bgyQCLcB/s1600/peregrin002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sv2mbgWBcZw/VyR6hhWeGPI/AAAAAAAALfA/OtYGQFLfs0c2EBQeWWZpi1FHx3Ku-bgyQCLcB/s400/peregrin002.jpg" width="315" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp73fIjf7nY/VyR64vw44GI/AAAAAAAALfo/qr3n3h7XPokYjQuUGNv6C-ownuHimMhrgCLcB/s1600/guillemots.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zp73fIjf7nY/VyR64vw44GI/AAAAAAAALfo/qr3n3h7XPokYjQuUGNv6C-ownuHimMhrgCLcB/s400/guillemots.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBA2HtDHeSI/VyR7g1Ahv1I/AAAAAAAALfw/4n8W7ZkCKQMT5hiY8QU7bFds3FDbh0sFACLcB/s1600/IMG_0579b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBA2HtDHeSI/VyR7g1Ahv1I/AAAAAAAALfw/4n8W7ZkCKQMT5hiY8QU7bFds3FDbh0sFACLcB/s400/IMG_0579b.JPG" width="323" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The warblers mainly hid in the scrub but the occasional
white-throat scratched out its song on a tall bramble. A pair of stonechats showed in the sunshine, cracking stones from a gorse bush.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8kj643lc-M/VyR8m2PloZI/AAAAAAAALgE/wg3AP-5IkqU-a1a7VgEcBkTUW5WTbCJyQCLcB/s1600/stonechat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8kj643lc-M/VyR8m2PloZI/AAAAAAAALgE/wg3AP-5IkqU-a1a7VgEcBkTUW5WTbCJyQCLcB/s400/stonechat.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We accidentally flushed the occasional deer from the scrub, which dashed off seemingly towards the cliff edge..</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dsf1xVHf_U/VyR8lhiD3kI/AAAAAAAALgA/MtHETMMM8gUAXN0OSstSf3XoakVNj9oLwCLcB/s1600/deer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dsf1xVHf_U/VyR8lhiD3kI/AAAAAAAALgA/MtHETMMM8gUAXN0OSstSf3XoakVNj9oLwCLcB/s400/deer.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The early spider orchids did not disappoint and were so much more spectacular then I remembered. Walking through the reserve and beyond onto the NT land we soon came
across the occasional spike and then large clusters of early spider orchid.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z-TJ83luJc/VyR6hjCKXnI/AAAAAAAALfI/A2__dnts5xshH_cW0C13mXFehJyTM9S8wCLcB/s1600/spider001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z-TJ83luJc/VyR6hjCKXnI/AAAAAAAALfI/A2__dnts5xshH_cW0C13mXFehJyTM9S8wCLcB/s400/spider001.jpg" width="323" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chkTaRzsQZE/VyR6iOPiwMI/AAAAAAAALfM/FbH1zH7JkywjtKnMAlbfk5CK--FCdXVlACLcB/s1600/spider002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chkTaRzsQZE/VyR6iOPiwMI/AAAAAAAALfM/FbH1zH7JkywjtKnMAlbfk5CK--FCdXVlACLcB/s640/spider002.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUZRCXrehIs/VyR6ijfuQZI/AAAAAAAALfQ/Jr0FGPhJ5q8a0xf0t-r0K8aS0qPrTUT4gCLcB/s1600/spider003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUZRCXrehIs/VyR6ijfuQZI/AAAAAAAALfQ/Jr0FGPhJ5q8a0xf0t-r0K8aS0qPrTUT4gCLcB/s640/spider003.jpg" width="452" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky-tyG6zsxs/VyR6i2bYjuI/AAAAAAAALfU/s190JW7L7Gw0thbU7HmZYtOifiYWhuH5gCLcB/s1600/spider004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ky-tyG6zsxs/VyR6i2bYjuI/AAAAAAAALfU/s190JW7L7Gw0thbU7HmZYtOifiYWhuH5gCLcB/s400/spider004.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciHEkN4V9yo/VyR6jBb3FyI/AAAAAAAALfY/7VIADVFMh2s01RKdd2mRt1SGmRazlPsHQCLcB/s1600/spider005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciHEkN4V9yo/VyR6jBb3FyI/AAAAAAAALfY/7VIADVFMh2s01RKdd2mRt1SGmRazlPsHQCLcB/s400/spider005.jpg" width="291" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5WvPRVYU4c/VyR6jm4OH-I/AAAAAAAALfc/KLzaqIDwX4UNpSi3OoJA9Pe1KuF_p8TNQCLcB/s1600/spider006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5WvPRVYU4c/VyR6jm4OH-I/AAAAAAAALfc/KLzaqIDwX4UNpSi3OoJA9Pe1KuF_p8TNQCLcB/s640/spider006.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A94iY4Osa4/VyR6j0X8LDI/AAAAAAAALfg/VtbJ61LHa7AOELnwHhxJNg56KzmarPR1ACLcB/s1600/spider007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A94iY4Osa4/VyR6j0X8LDI/AAAAAAAALfg/VtbJ61LHa7AOELnwHhxJNg56KzmarPR1ACLcB/s400/spider007.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For the botanical geeks amongst you a number of other plants starting to show, including small patches of bastard toadflax (<i>Thesium humifusum</i>) </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4CCsPJgrAY/VyR8oj6Q73I/AAAAAAAALgI/Hw0iEDSqWhMw8NpF2EJQ886QJXQLNuloQCLcB/s1600/toadflax.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M4CCsPJgrAY/VyR8oj6Q73I/AAAAAAAALgI/Hw0iEDSqWhMw8NpF2EJQ886QJXQLNuloQCLcB/s640/toadflax.jpg" width="425" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We walked a loop further in land through the wonderful meadows, filled with nodding yellow cowslips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGPijEt9N0U/VyR-UNj449I/AAAAAAAALgg/ci4dLYLDM0g0jH5RwAkj32JnkEozgq_KQCLcB/s1600/cowslips001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGPijEt9N0U/VyR-UNj449I/AAAAAAAALgg/ci4dLYLDM0g0jH5RwAkj32JnkEozgq_KQCLcB/s400/cowslips001.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C8_azoOd3g/VyR-UrSLNFI/AAAAAAAALgk/MDWYBZLadiUwWbrs-1CosqzekmR808i7ACLcB/s1600/cowslips002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C8_azoOd3g/VyR-UrSLNFI/AAAAAAAALgk/MDWYBZLadiUwWbrs-1CosqzekmR808i7ACLcB/s400/cowslips002.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two other orchids (green-winged and early purple) were flowering on the reserve.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzSbzE_5sVo/VyR-UxHAozI/AAAAAAAALgs/K7NpwEWNfoE_8NLl01nBmZm0OkgHwz3lACLcB/s1600/earlypurpleorchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzSbzE_5sVo/VyR-UxHAozI/AAAAAAAALgs/K7NpwEWNfoE_8NLl01nBmZm0OkgHwz3lACLcB/s640/earlypurpleorchid.jpg" width="490" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early purple orchid</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We loved the County Park and with some time left we headed onto RSPB's Arne reserve for a quick whiz round. There was not much showing and frankly I was a bit disappointed, which is unfair to this fabulous site, but when we reached the car park again there was a surprise or two.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bird feeders were awash with small birds and woodpeckers drummed the trees around us. Then my wife spotted that there was a fox under the feeder (I totally missed this!) and it gave us some great views - it seemed pretty unaffected by our presence.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNuAkcRnLBs/VyR-WIinv7I/AAAAAAAALg0/gdFH5HtNqPggGN8r9gtWZ1p8k5Wmo52rACLcB/s1600/feeder001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNuAkcRnLBs/VyR-WIinv7I/AAAAAAAALg0/gdFH5HtNqPggGN8r9gtWZ1p8k5Wmo52rACLcB/s400/feeder001.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BE59utg8wZI/VyR-WjvSmnI/AAAAAAAALg4/ycoYfT9r7PUoU8MCLsYepTx_W_MHEyHZgCLcB/s1600/fox002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BE59utg8wZI/VyR-WjvSmnI/AAAAAAAALg4/ycoYfT9r7PUoU8MCLsYepTx_W_MHEyHZgCLcB/s400/fox002.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRnahryOhqE/VyR-XAgWkwI/AAAAAAAALg8/okZOwTkPjUsho_lfvszkDV9Q76OOL3liACLcB/s1600/fox003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRnahryOhqE/VyR-XAgWkwI/AAAAAAAALg8/okZOwTkPjUsho_lfvszkDV9Q76OOL3liACLcB/s400/fox003.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJv-pLDb7iM/VyR-VwhgZ6I/AAAAAAAALgw/gwRRt1lr7i42V2o2R5rvykahZMnSaOECACLcB/s1600/fox001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AJv-pLDb7iM/VyR-VwhgZ6I/AAAAAAAALgw/gwRRt1lr7i42V2o2R5rvykahZMnSaOECACLcB/s400/fox001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can't wait to go back.</span>Peterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005369813606203021noreply@blogger.com2