Roe Deer Feeding on Leaves

During a recent walk it was a pleasant surprise to see this magnificent Roe Buck feeding away on Bramble bush leaves.

Bramble bush leaves are not my idea of a tasty snack, too many sharp thorns, but each to his own.

The Roe Deer, although undisturbed, eventually left the woodland and I was able to take a few shots as it crossed an open field.

Post Lockdown - Radipole Lake

My first visit post Lockdown to Radipole lake. Weymouth.

Having visited  Lodmoor, I moved on to Radipole Lake. This was perhaps the more interesting of the two visits on the same day.

Marsh Marigolds were in full bloom.

The usual small groups of Tufted Duck could be found around the lake.

A female Tufti having a stretch.

In keeping with my observations on recent Lockdown walks, I found considerable number of Chiffchaff, observed mostly catching flies in willow trees.

It was good to see the emergence of the Peacock Butterfly recently and I found a few at Radipole.

Unfortunately a brief sighting only of this male Blackcap as it disappeared into a bush.

Sand Martins were observed flying low over the water catching flies.

Woodies are chasing each other around now for obvious reasons.

Post Lockdown - Lodmoor

My first visit post Lockdown to Lodmoor Reserve,Weymouth.

A somewhat anti climax to being in Lockdown.

The visit to Lodmoor was not particularly exceptional.

The highlight was the group of Black-tailed Godwit that are now showing their rusty red colouring.

Numerous Black-headed Gulls were in attendance.

It was nice to see some Wild Primroses growing.

As usual there were several Little Egrets about the area. 

Thet spent their time driving each other off from the best feeding areas.

Many of the Canada Geese have flown off from the Reserve now.

There were still the odd pair that have not yet decided where to nest. 

Blackthorn in bloom.

Tomorrow the the first visit to Radipole Lake, which I conducted on the same day as this.

Single Image Post - Skylark on a Post

I have not heard much of the Skylark's singing yet this Spring, but it is always good to see one.

 

Little Owl

There are a Little Owls on the Isle of Portland.

At a the site of small quarry, if you are fortunate you may get to see one like the first image below. 

In fact most of the time this is the only view you get. 

You can get really fortunate as I did a few days ago, when one put in an appearance like this below. I have lost count of the times that I have walked by this little quarry and not seen anything.

View along the East cliff of Portland.