Surreybirder's local patch

[Surreybirder]

secondly, peacock

[Surreybirder]

Finally, another shot of the small copper (on sedum).

[Andrew]

I think the most overlooked feature of a Peacock butterfly is the wonderful row of wobbly lines on the front edge of the wings, your picture shows then well.

[Nina P]

Ken, as usual, brilliant photos, and after todays course, I just had to get a new camera, got one with optic zoom X3 and digital zoom X5, but will probably only use optical as quality is better. I've had enough of fiddling around trying to get the zoom to work on the other camera, that's why the zoom didn't work on that pic I sent you!!
I knew I'd find out sooner or later, this one has photosmart media with it, so after a bit of experimenting and next weeks learning to crop and paste, I'm really hoping to get something to post. Then there will be no stopping me, add that to a scope, well I'm hoping anyway! Nina.

[Surreybirder]

Only two days to go before my "local patch" ceases to be local.
The field of weeds behind our house has been alive with birds. I estimate 80 goldfinches there this morning, and quite a few linnets and meadow pipits.

[Nina P]

Ken I just managed to post a picture on my Thread! So many thanks to you for all the help you've given me, and I actually had to get a new camera with Photosmart so now I can do some of the tricks without lessons, but I'll continue the course as I may well pick up more tips and clues!!
Does that mean you're closing down on this thread? Nina.

[Andrew]

Hope it is only ceasing temporarily.

[Surreybirder]

Originally posted by Nina P
Ken I just managed to post a picture on my Thread! So many thanks to you for all the help you've given me, and I actually had to get a new camera with Photosmart so now I can do some of the tricks without lessons, but I'll continue the course as I may well pick up more tips and clues!!
Does that mean you're closing down on this thread? Nina.

My hope is to start a new thread once I've got going in my new 'local patch'.
But I've got to pack my pc :-C and :flyaway:

But I may still have time to add a bit more before the final close-down!

I like your pix, Nina. There'll be no stopping you now! :D

[Surreybirder]

This beetle was on our wall after dark (but no moths there, not surprisingly!).

[Surreybirder]

I'm only sorry we won't be around when the birds discover our pyracantha... but we'll certainly plant one in our new place!

[Surreybirder]

The field immediately behind our house has not been farmed this year. There are masses of thistles and other weeds, which are attracting a good flock of finches. I reckon there were at least 80 goldfinches and quite a few linnets there this morning.

[Surreybirder]

Not a great shot, but just a few of the goldfinches after they'd flown up into our neighbour's oak tree.

[Surreybirder]

Rather a nice hoverfly!

[Nina P]

Ken the field shot shows the same sort of growth that was our back field until two weeks ago, when they finally decided to cut it down for the winter, and by next spring it will be just right for the Lapwings, as long as the village idiot doesn't allow his dogs to see them off.
What a cluster of goldies, I think they are called a charm when like that. Nina.

[goonerz]

It will be sad for this thread to close, but i can't wait for your new patch thread.
Surreybirder and Nina I have learnt so much reading your posts,they are always interesting.....who needs a book.

I have a question about Chiff-Chaffs, on my local patch they are very abundant, however they do vary in colour,contrasting to crisp yellow and green, to paler washed out colours. I can only summise that the brighter cleaner of the two are younger birds,and the tatty worn appearance are older birds but I have recently learnt that there is a Scandinavian sub-species of Chiff Chaffs (Abietinus) which generally have paler plumage anyway.I am told these can be found in Britain as migrants. So along with the British and western race(Collybita) how could one differentiate between all of these Chiff-Chafs, Light and brightness not withstanding. any ideas..................

[Nina P]

In exactly the same way as they cannot tell between themselves if the opposite one is male or female, if James the "Dover Dude" speaks true, I was reading up on his thread about bird ringing with Dave G and between them they are teaching me things I never knew. I love this forum for the education gained from other members.
Goonerz, did you manage to get my private message on posting and all the other bits you can do when you press the green (post reply) tag? Nina.