Jay - Behaviour

In a wooded area of the Parkland I heard this unusual  what can be best described as a medium/high pitched 'Trilling' sound like a mobile phone (Cell phone) call. It lasted about 2 seconds each time and continued to be repeated as I approached it. Then I observed a Jay fly off through the branches. It was closely followed by a second Jay. I have never heard this sound before and would never have believed it was a sound of a Jay, but I followed and the second Jay pitched again and continued making this noise. I took a few shots of it amongst the branches and then it flew off.

I can only assume that due to the fact that its the breeding season coming along now that its some kind of mating call.

Bluebell Time

Its Bluebell time again and I think they are quite early this year. 

Whilst I was shooting these various scenes I was treated to a song by this Wren.

Peacock in the Sun

I found this Peacock Butterfly basking in the sun yesterday.

Apart from the odd missing pieces of wing it appeared to have come through the Winter hibernation in reasonable condition. Its reddish brown area of wings have faded into orange and the white areas are somewhat smudged out.

It will find a safe place such as a hollow tree or even a garden shed to sit out the Winter. I have certainly observed one flying in early December and they will emerge in February or March. I have briefly observed one or two already, but this is the first I have taken a photo of this Spring.

A shot taken in the woodland which forms part of the Parkland that I walk.

I must take some bluebell photos before they die away, had the wrong camera on this visit. 

They are early this year.

The Chiffy Returns

Spring is definitely here when you first hear the Chiffchaff singing. 

It also means that you are about to see more Spring migrating birds that follow on after the Chiffy.

Mrs Blackcap

Although some Blackcap remain over winter in the Southern part of England most migrate to Western Europe for the Winter. Most numbers appear in UK from April to September.

The female is usually more secretive than the male in my experience anyway.

Mr Blackcap was close by, but not being very co-operative, so I will catch him later.

Emerging Orange

Female Orange-Tip Butterfly

This was a fortunate find which I stumbled upon on my walk yesterday.

This female from its actions must have only emerged from the chrysalis a short time before I observed it. 

Each time it was disturbed by a fly or bee it would only fly a short distance and settle again to dry out its wings. 

More Pheas