Down at the Swan's Level

The Robin - Common Species Series

Pictured here amongst the Blackthorn flowers our most common of birds observed anywhere all the year around. I have featured this species on numerous occasions previously as it is so well liked by all and very photogenic.

Spring Flower

Spring Flowers observed on my Woodland Walk on Good Friday

Primroses

Bluebells

Wood Anemones

Wood Violets

Flutters About

Good Friday - The only warm and sunny day that had been forecasted for Easter, so I decided to go in search of my first butterflies of the year. The woodland rides of my regular Woodland walk appeared the best plan. A good show of Primroses were in abundance already along the rides so I searched those areas. 

I soon observed one male Brimstone Butterfly, but it was flying along at Mach 1 and I had no chance of getting a shot of it. I subsequently observed several more male Brimstone. The best option was to observe their flying pattern as they do land occasionally along their flight lines. Primroses seem the most likely target so I waited near several bunches. After watching males landing on specific bunches of primroses I positioned myself near one of them. Sure enough one landed on the bunch I was watching, which resulted in a few first shots taken. As the early afternoon arrived I was able to get a few more shots of the Brimstone. The males are the first to emerge in Spring and during the morning they tend to be on the wing searching for females. (Not a fruitful task initially as the females don't emerge as soon as the males) In the early afternoon the males are more likely to pitch and feed. 

I observed approximately six male Brimstone during the day. As they fly to and fro on the same routes it is difficult to be exact with numbers. 

I also observed two Peacock butterflies and one Comma butterfly during the walk, but no images unfortunately.

This below was the first shot taken, it had just taken off and I thought that was the only image I was going to get that day.

Long-tailed Tit - Common Species Series

Everyones favourite little bird the Long-tailed Tit. 

Apart from when breeding, this species congregate in small flocks including several families and are very active moving through trees and low bushes looking for food. 

Blue Tit - Common Species Series

Like the Great Tit in the previous post the Blue Tit can be found in various habitats.

Distinguishing the male from the female of the species is a difficult task, which I will leave to the experts.