The Brent are Back (Pale-bellied Species)

The Brent Goose (Pale-bellied). 

I have said before, it is my favourite Goose.

It arrives in my local area at around this time and can be observed locally for much of the Winter.

The flock I observed this week at Ferry Bridge, Weymouth was 20 in number. This is small in comparison to later in the season.

The oldest recorded Brent Goose was 28 years. They typically live an average of 11years.

A UK Distribution list reveals that in the main, this is a coastal species. Its Conservation Status is Amber in the UK, but of least concern elsewhere.

 

A poor distant shot showing most of the flock with Mediterranean Gulls in the background.

A Local Walk - Kingfisher

Suddenly it is much colder and lower temperatures that would normally be experienced at this time have now arrived.

One way in which this was quite telling was that a female Kingfisher that I observed and photographed appeared more tolerant to my existence than was normal.  It was more concerned about getting food than me being in the area. That said, it was only just and flew off up the river after a couple of shots. I observed it later, but without a second chance of a shot.

Robins are very territorial especially in Spring.

However this one in the right foreground of the image below was attempting with its aggressive stance to drive off the other (out of focus).

Two young unattached Mute Swans that have frequented the local river slowly sailed by my position. So this called for a different image than normal.

A House Sparrow hoping to find just a few more blackberries.

This immature Goldfinch had just been for a bath and was preening and drying itself out in dense foliage.

Not many more Haw berries left for this 'Woodie' to find on this Hawthorn tree.

Roe Deer - Rutting Season

Roe Deer are one of only two native species in UK. They are also the most widespread.

The Rut (Rutting Season) starts in May and continues to October. 

I witnessed such activity this last week. It involved two males and two females which were observed in a large field of about 25 acres. They remained at a considerable distance.

The two females appeared singularly uninterested and continued to lay in long grass at the edge of the field.

The males tried to encourage the females, but without success.

Then the two males decided to chase each other around the field.

This activity didn't last long and the males found it all rather too strenuous.

The Roe Deer population in UK is approximately 500,000 and continues to increase.

 With a height of 60 to 75 cm. The males are slightly larger. Average weight 10-25 kgs. 

They have a lifespan of up to 15 years with 7 years being the average.