Blog Problem Corrected

Stonechat and Whinchat

A  few distance shots I was able to grab this week of the Stonechat and Whinchat that have returned to the Parkland for the winter months.

Whinchat

Whinchat

Whinchat

Stonechat

Whinchat

Stonechat

Note: I am having major problems with this blog at the moment. I am not always able to reply to comments or comment on other blogs. Apologies for that. I am working on it.

A Late Chiffchaff

Walking around the Parkland today I observed a Chiffchaff amongst hawthorn branches. 

He was busily feeding away on insects and elderberries, moving quickly between the twigs to search for the next meal. I mentioned 'Late' in the heading as I would expect most Chiffys to have departed on migration by now, although some remain in the Southern part of England over winter. 

I just got the impression that this one was feeding up as much as possible for his onward journey.

An Autumn Woodland Walk

Leaves are turning now as we change to the Autumn Season.

A walk through the woodland that I visit mostly during the Spring and Summer reveals some interesting colours already.

A few wild flowers like this Common Fleabane still provide a little colour.

With the Hazel tree most of the nuts have fallen and the leaves are turning.

Wild Mint Flower

A few Butterflies remain on the wing. 

Mostly Speckled Wood and Whites, Large and Small and Comma were observed.

A Cricket hopped across the track.

My learned Advisor informs that this is a

male Dark Bush-cricket (Pholidoptera griseoaptera)

Just to add a different look to the scenes I have posted a few Sepia shots.

Linnets by the Sea

A good place to find Linnets during winter is along the South Coast which is where I found these. 

They were busy finding food and moved around in a small flock of about 20 birds.