It has been a little quiet on this blog in the last couple of weeks. I had wondered why I was feeling under the weather in early June and it turned out that I was struggling with a ruptured appendix! The good news is that I am now just about fully recovered and getting out and about again. Due to family commitments, there are always few tours running in early July, but the regular schedule of tours will resume from mid month.
With some enforced rest, I have been enjoying the wildlife at home and nearby. The highlight has been our local pair of Little Owls. Once they fledged, the two juveniles were brought into our garden where they hid at first in the trees before gradually gaining more confidence over the next week or so.
Little Owl – one of the recently fledged juveniles
Little Owl – the juveniles gradually grew in confidence
One of the adult Little Owls spent most of its time hunting for invertebrates on the lawn. The football goal provided a convenient vantage point!
Little Owl – one of the adults hunting for invertebrates on the lawn
A smart adult Green Woodpecker has also been a more irregular visitor to the lawn, taking advantage of the plentiful supply of ants now emerging.
Green Woodpecker – looking for ants on the lawn
As well as birds, the local vicinity produced a nice selection of insects.
Emperor Dragonfly – resting down by the pond
Large Red Damselfly
Azure Damselflies – ovipositing
Poplar Hawkmoth – on the kitchen windowsill
But the surprise off my enforced local wanderings was finding a small colony of Bee Orchids, the first I have ever found round here.
Bee Orchid – the first I have found locally
It’s amazing what you can find when you look closely – I will have to spend more time in the garden in future!
