May 28th 2023 Took a walk up the Ericht yesterday, it's become a favourite walk with a wee "private" picnic spot
if there's no-one else there
Quite a few
Black Backed Gulls near the weir , four or five of them, probably lesser? and a
Black Headed as well as the usual suspects. Didn't see or hear much at all up there for a change.
On the trip home I decided to get out at the bottom of the lane, it's a mile long and up steep hills! I wanted to check out the mill pond for
Damselflies .......... carrying the camera with a 150-600mm lens on it? Didn't really think that through.
So, standing well back, I got a few shots of
Large Red Damselflies in action, so to speak!
I can't even remember being aware of these here so, I'll be heading back to the pond later, with an appropriate lens
The colours in these creatures are just amazing.
I think it's worth noting that the local farmer maintains this pond and the surrounding area with wildlife in mind, wonderful.
So, I head UP the long lane, it's only a mile but a lot of steep ups!
I stopped a few times to watch, follow and wait for
Orange Tipped butterflies to land
they don't very often!
Sorry, it's
Bird forum
So, we've driven up and down the lane many times this year and recently spotted a bird(s) flitting through the trees, attempting to disappear from our view, never actually getting to see them clearly. Kind of brownish, Thrush sized, fast .....
There are a few
Jays in the area but SO secretive and when I caught glimpses of two of these unknown birds I realised they may be young
Jays? I will persevere and attempt to get a couple of shots.
So, over the hill finally, down into the last dip, near the reed beds and I hear a song, well, maybe a few so, I whipped out the trusty Samsung and started
BirdNET. I let it run a good while, the sounds were confusing, not difficult for me. I analysed them (British spelling) 😡
Sedge Warbler and
Greater Whitethroat that's what confused me (maybe)
Never saw the Whitethroat but did get to see a
Sedge Warbler which was obligingly perching in the reed beds waiting for me. See, I knew I needed a long lens.
Still not seen a Reed Warbler down there .... yet